ONE of the UK's oldest housing associations has celebrated its 95th anniversary by presenting commemorative mugs to residents who shared the same milestone.

Railway Housing Association specialises in affordable housing for older people and has 1,400 properties across the country, including a large number in Darlington, Shildon, Stockton and Gateshead.

A special limited edition bone china mug has been created for 10 of its residents who were born in 1919, the same year the Railway Housing Association was established.

One of the residents receiving a mug was Sadie Reid, who lives in Auckland Avenue, Darlington. Sadie celebrated her birthday on December 28, making her the last resident to turn 95 in 2014.

She said: “It was a lovely surprise when I discovered I was getting a mug and to know I am one of only a few people to receive them makes it even more special.

“I know my family will tell me to use the mug but I think I will keep it as a nice memento

Mrs Reid was presented with her mug by Geoff Proudlock, chairman of Railway Housing Association and chief executive Anne Rowlands.

Mr Proudlock said: “2014 was a significant year for Railway Housing Association as it marked our 95th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

“When we were established in 1919, some of the first residents to be given homes were railwaymen who had left their jobs and families to fight for their country in the war, so this is something we are very proud of.

“We were keen to do something to mark our anniversary and decided that presenting mugs to residents who shared our birthday was a nice thing to do.

“We are less than five years from celebrating our 100th anniversary, so we look forward to also sharing this with those who have received mugs.”

Other North East residents to receive commemorative mugs were Annie Alderson, of Shildon; John Smith, of Gateshead; Olive Speck, York and Margaret Turner, of Stockton.