A DEVELOPMENT of pensioners' bungalows has been opened in a former pit village.

The Durham Aged Miners Homes Association (DAMHA) - the region's oldest housing association - built eight two-bedroom homes on land at Coalford Lane, Pittington.

The development, called Elizabeth Court, was officially opened yesterday by Vernon Tattersall, chairman of the Almshouse Association.

DAHMA has also completed developments in Peterlee and Thornley this year, and work is under way on some new bungalows at Horden and Jarrow, South Tyneside.

The first people to move in to Elizabeth Court were former miner Eddie Searle, 69, and his wife Ann.

Mr Searle, who spent 25 years as a surface worker at three collieries, became deaf and blind after retiring.

He said: "I maintain a strong mining interest and admire the work still carried out by DAMHA.

"I am especially pleased that they were able to build in Pittington for it allowed me to move back. The houses will be a real asset to the village."

The bungalows, which cost almost £500,000, were built in stone to blend into the village - the first time the association has used stone for more than 80 years.

DAMHA director John Humble said: "Our two-bedroom bungalows have helped meet housing need in the village identified by Durham City Council.

"They are built to mobility standards, linked to the council's warden control system, have Secure by Design accreditation from Durham Constabulary and have high levels of energy efficiency."

The opening was timed to coincide with tomorrow's Durham Miners' Gala.