A plaque was presented to the Helena Thompson museum on Tuesday, with a surviving piece of Workington’s gasometer.

The Workington gasometer was a loss to John Quinn of Bolton Street when it was demolished in October. British Gas gave the plaque to Mr Quinn due to his interest in seeing it survive. He said: “Every morning, it was always there, it became a part of the family. I’d hoped to try and preserve it.”

Mark Johnson, senior project manager of the demolition felt motivated to do something for Mr Quinn. He said: “This lovely fella rung us up.” He said: “There must be something I can do.” As well as a body of photographic work, the gasometer is the subject of many memories for John, he said: “It was just a part of life in them days.”

The gasometer used to store fuel generated from burning coal before North Sea gas. Mark Johnson explained: “The stores were built to store it so we could use it later.” Ben Whitney, site supervisor said "It's a nice project to be on, I'm glad we come up with the idea."

Mr Quinn and Workington Heritage Group chairman, Tony Waring reminisced about the time before modern methods. Workers used to risk their safety mining the coal as red hot pieces fell from above. Mr Quinn said: "It was just part of life in those days."

Community Care Officer Stevie Sharpe became well acquainted with Mr Quinn during the demolition project, she was in attendance to see a piece of that structure memorialised.

Helena Thompson Museum manager Patricia Poole said: " looks to preserve pieces of history such as this at the museum going forward.