Worksop's David Clerk, 56, and 48-year-old Paul Varty, from Wellow, were part of a group of four miners who set up Midland Preventative Maintenance in 1993.

Ex sales director Clerk, of Central Avenue was given a 15-month sentence, while former finance director Varty was given three years and three months. Both were disqualified from being company directors for seven years.

Clerk admitted stealing £60,000 in the three years leading up to 2001. He then gave evidence in the case against Varty, who stole just under £150,000 over a number of years up to 2003.

Varty was convicted by a jury of 11 counts of theft and one of false accounting at Nottingham Crown Court.

"The closure of the mines in this county caused a great deal of tragedy," Judge Tony Mitchell told the pair. "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."

"I think this is one of the worst breaches of trust I'd 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.

"Did you have any compassion for your fellow directors? No."