The families of deceased miners who may have suffered the industrial disease, vibration white finger, have been given extra time to claim compensation.

Energy minister Brian Wilson said posthumous claims could now be made until 31 January, 2003.

The change came just two days before the original deadline was due to run out on Thursday.

The condition, related to Raynaud's Disease, causes fingers to go white and lose feeling, permanently in the worst cases.

'Government U-turn'

Many miners developed the condition as a result of operating or driving vibrating heavy machinery.

Despite the extension, a miners' union which has campaigned for more time for widows, says the government needs to extend the deadline even further.

Clare Walker, from the Nottinghamshire-based Union of Democratic Mineworkers (UDM), said Mr Wilson had been unhelpful and performed a last-minute U-turn.

Brian Wilson has been accused of a U-turn

She told BBC Radio Nottingham: "The rush we have gone to to try and get these claims in and then he gives us a token three months.

"Number one it is not enough and number two it is not the way to treat people who are elderly. I think it is appalling."

The UDM is calling for a year-long extension to make sure everyone gets a chance to enter a claim.

Claims helpline

Announcing the extension, Mr Wilson said in a statement: "After listening to the views of MPs, solicitors and the mining unions it has become clear some people in the coalfield communities are still not aware that they can submit white finger claims with respect to their deceased relatives."

He said he did not want anyone to miss out.

"These ladies and perhaps their children should be lodging claims.

"The barest of details is enough to get the claims registered.

"I do not want to cut off anyone in that situation simply through lack of knowledge or awareness."

The UDM has set up a claims helpline for mining families on 01623 626094