A MAN who has helped to provide good homes for former pitmen for the past 18 years will call it a day after this weekend's Durham Miners' Gala.

John Humble is retiring as director of Durham Aged Mineworkers' Homes Association (Damha), one of the largest social housing providers in the North-East.

His parting job will be to march in front of the association's banner for the last time as director at Saturday's Durham Big Meeting.

Mr Humble, 59 later this year, has been with the association since 1989, and is leaving it in a strong position.

He said: "I go with a heavy heart - I'm giving up a great job.

"It's been a privilege to work with, and for, such marvellous people. It's been an interesting and challenging job.

"We've greatly improved services to residents, evidenced by high customer satisfaction rates."

The most recent Audit Commission inspection concluded that Damha provides, "a good two-star service with excellent prospects for improvement", said to be among the best results among similar organisations in the country.

During his time as director, Mr Humble has overseen the modernisation of 1,100 homes and the construction of more than 500 two-bedroom bungalows.

He said: "Not only have we improved our housing stock, but if you include general maintenance, we, on average, put £10m per annum into the local economy and directly provide jobs for 64 people.

"We're not just a little bit of the mining history, but something moving forward and having a real impact on the regeneration of our coalfield communities".

Damha chairman Bob Olaman said: "John has guided the association to a much stronger position than it was in 18 years ago.

"He's always been extremely conscientious, hard-working and supportive with the true interests of Damha very much at heart. He will be a difficult act to follow and we wish him well."

Mr Humble will be succeeded by Gordon Gray, the association's head of housing and development for almost 25 years.