It was a case of “Location, Location, Location” for Lynn Deacon when she was searching for a home and first spotted one of DAMHA’s single person flats in Seaham.

She put her name down for one straight away and when her house in Bishop Auckland sold within ten days she rented a property in the County Durham seaside town and waited.

“It was a bit of a risk but thankfully one of the flats became vacant soon after so I could move in,” says Lynn.

“I love it here. The flat is just right for me, there are amenities nearby and good bus and train links.”

A former mining area, Seaham has been transformed in recent years and now has a growing reputation as a coastal centre for arts and craft.

The statue known locally as “Tommy”, by sculptor Ray Lonsdale, stands proudly on a paved area by the seafront in tribute to those who fought in World War 1 and was recently voted Britain’s favourite free to view outdoor artwork

“I am just two minutes from the seafront which has seen big changes in recent years,“ says Lynn. “The beach has been cleaned up and there are new cafes, jewellery and other craft shops opening.”

Lynn, 73 is also a member of the nearby branch of the University of the Third Age, enjoying wine tasting, art and crafts, walking group, quizzes and a host of other activities.

“I am definitely far more active now than I was ten years ago so it’s been a very good move for me,” she says.

A children’s nurse before retiring, Lynn is the Residents’ Representative for 14 people who live in the Association flats in Londonderry Court.

“Some people may not have lived in a flat before so it’s about helping them to get settled in and being someone they can turn to if they have a problem,” she says.

“Everyone gets on well. We tend to be on the elderly side so we aren’t rebels – though I do like to sit out on the patio with a gin and tonic in the summer!”