EVERY day former miner Mervyn Robbins wakes up in agony because of the arthritis he contracted after working underground for 36 years - crawling along sharp rock on his knees.

"I could cry many mornings, it hurts so badly," says Mr Robbins, of Canning Street, Cwm.

The 67-year-old lives in "constant agony" from the crippling condition in his knees after his years in the pits, sometimes crawling along seams just 20 inches high. He has had one knee replacement, needs another, and his union, Nacods, are considering him as one of eight test cases they are taking to the High Court in a bid to win payouts.

The Argus is campaigning for justice for ex-pitmen like Mr Robbins, one of an estimated 5,000 Gwent men whose retirements have been blighted. He says: "I thought once the operation was done that was it."

Despite one knee replacement there is no end to the pain. "If anyone doesn't think we deserve it they should crawl around on sharp rock all day and see how their knees feel," he adds.

"It is great to see the Argus' campaign and to know they are backing us." Now he wants to see other mining unions joining the fight.

"Nacods can only claim for its members. I want every ex-miner who is suffering to be able to claim."

Mr Robbins went down the mines aged 15 and worked in Waun Llwyd, Llanhilleth and Marine Pits.

For ten years he worked at the coalface, then became an official responsible for checking the safety of the seams.

He claims that for many years he was not issued with knee pads. His biggest regret is that he cannot watch his grandson play rugby because he cannot stand for more than a few minutes.

But despite his daily battle with pain Mr Robbins has good memories of his time underground. "There was a great comradeship.

"Everyone looked out for one another and I am happy I was a miner," he said.