Spinster gives away £9million inheritance

Jane Ritchie, 59, donated the money after treating herself to just one night in a hotel and a new hat.

The money has paid for a learning centre to give teenagers an insight into the world of work and inspire them to make the most of their education. The "Work Place" in Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, opens next month.

Ms Ritchie inherited the money after the death of wealth cousin Margery Freeman. Relatives say the elderly woman lived out her remaining years in darned clothes and plimsolls, heating just one room in winter to keep warm.

Despite being a millionaire her coat was always held together with string. She died at the age of 101.

Ms Ritchie was amazed when she was visited by Mrs Freeman's solicitor after the death.

"He said she had left about £1 million in bequests and had left the rest to me. I thought I had been left with all the bills, but he said 'That's £9 million' I nearly fell off the chair."

Yet, after paying off the taxman, Ms Ritchie gave the bulk of the money away.

She said: "I've got everything I want. I've got a nice house with two dogs and two cats. I'm the wrong shape for fancy clothes. I don't drink and I don't smoke and I don't take holidays because I'm too busy. I am very happy they way I am.

"I believe if you do get something like winning the lottery you should do something good with it and that's what I've tried to do."