AFTER the ‘annus horribilis’ that was 2020, a housing association has brought some Christmas cheer to over 100 of its residents this year.

As part of a yearly tradition, Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association (DAMHA) has presented £25 gift vouchers to 127 people who are aged 90 and over.

DAMHA contributes £10 to the vouchers and the rest is provided by The Almshouse Association, the support charity representing over 1,600 almshouses. DAMHA is the largest almshouse in the UK.

In total, this means £3,175 worth of vouchers are being handed out this year.

Among those receiving a voucher was 90-year-old Elizabeth Shillaw, from Easington, who said: “It was a lovely gesture after a horrible year, and I am looking forward to spending my vouchers.”

Paul Mullis, Chief Executive of DAMHA, said: “Presenting vouchers to our residents who are 90 and over is a long-standing tradition and after the year everyone has just had, hopefully it will bring some much-needed Christmas cheer.”