Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has paid tribute to the work of Dungannon and District Housing Association at a dinner to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Congratulating them on their work to date the Minister said: "As a rural dweller myself, I know all too well the challenges and hardships faced by those living in the countryside.

"It is not always easy working in the communities you choose to serve and I applaud you for being prepared to address the complex housing problems faced by the people of Mid Ulster and West Tyrone, rather than simply taking the easy way out.

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"When you first started to build houses in Eglish, Coalisland and Coagh all those years ago, your motto was 'to provide good quality housing for families on low incomes'. That remains as valid an aspiration today as it was all those years ago and I commend you for your early vision and commitment to helping the working poor."

Ms Ritchie added: "The challenge for the next 40 years will undoubtedly be very different from the challenges of the last 40, but if the past is any indicator of the future, then you have a very bright one indeed."

(PR/JM)