A HOUSING association has presented Christmas vouchers to over 120 of its oldest residents.

As part of a yearly tradition, Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association (DAMHA) has presented £25 gift vouchers to 121 people who are aged 90 and over.

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

In total, this means £3025 worth of vouchers are being handed out this year.

Among those receiving a voucher was 90-year-old John Rutherford, from Witton Gilbert, who said: “This was the first time I have received a voucher, so it was a lovely surprise.”

Paul Mullis, chief executive of DAMHA, said: “We are delighted to have been able to continue the tradition, with support from The Almshouse Association, of giving vouchers to our nonagenarian residents and we hope they enjoy spending them.”

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