They were part of a group of four ex-miners who set up a business of their own in 1993.

Former finance director Paul Varty (48) of Eakring Road, Wellow was sentenced to three years and three months.

Ex sales director David Clerk (56) of Central Avenue, Worksop was given 15 months both were disqualified from being company directors for seven years.

Varty was convicted by a jury last month of 11 counts of theft and one of false accounting in relation to Midland Preventative Maintenance Ltd.

The court was told he stole just under £150,000 over a number of years up to 2003.

Clerk, who pleaded guilty and gave evidence for the prosecution in Varty's trial stole more than £60,000 in three years up to 2001.

Judge Tony Mitchell told them: "The closure of the mines in this county caused a great deal of tragedy. It was a great industry being torn apart.

"Four of you came out of Silverhill Colliery - each with a different ability. You saw the opportunity, with the assistance of compensation and the chance to retrain, to put your skills to good effect - for the mutual benefit of four people."

The judge told the two accused: "I think this is one of the worst breaches of trust I've had to consider. You, Varty, showed no shame your conduct throughout your trial was utterly despicable."

The judge said to Clerk: "I am told some of your colleagues have forgiven you because you came clean. But you knew you and Varty had set up a scam through all the false expenses you were claiming.

It started in Las Vegas when the twinkle of the bright lights was there and it went on and on. Did you have any compassion for your fellow directors? No."