THE owner of a legendary social club has sent out a big thank you to his loyal customers after reluctantly deciding to sell up.

The Stanley in Accrington which has played host to darts and pool champions, is set to be converted into flats in the near future.

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Phil Miller, 58, who has owned The Stanley for the past 16 years described it as 'the end of an era' but added that he has been unable to find anyone to take it on as a social club.

He said: "It's going to be the end of an era.

"I have had it on the market for 10 years and can't get anyone to take it on. Then I had an offer from someone who wants to turn it into flats.

"I have had some great times and met some great personalities. Unfortunately I'm getting older and the hours are getting longer and the time was right."

The club in Stanley Street, was originally called Dyers and Finishers Working Men's Club, later reopened as Stanley Street Social Club and then renamed The Stanley and underwent refurbishment.

Looking back over the colourful history of the club, great-grandfather Phil remembered the many sporting heroes who came through the doors.

Eric Bristow, five times world darts champion memorably turned up out of the blue to watch the premier league darts on the club's television set.

He said: "We've had all sorts - mainly sports people. Eric Bristow has been here three or four times. One time he actually turned up after he had played an exhibition in Nelson the day before.

"He turned up to watch the darts with us because we had Premier league darts on the telly. He just walked through the door, sat down and watched darts. "Then we went for a pint round Accrington after that. To have someone like Eric Bristow come in is something special."

Other sports legends who have frequented the premises include darts champion Trina Gulliver, Andy 'the Viking' Fordham, Silverback Tony O'Shea and former World Champion darts player Bob Anderson.

Phil also remembered 11 times World ladies pool champion Sue Thompson's Guinness Record attempt to break the World Speed Pool Record.

He said: "One time she attempted the Guinness World Speed Pool Record where you pot all 15 balls as quickly as you can.

"She held the World Record of 37 seconds and she attempted to break her own World Record. She just missed it at 44 seconds but it was still a great night."

He also remembered the time he organised for 21 coaches to travel to Wembley to watch Burnley's 2009 play-off against Sheffield United.

One coach left without four of its passengers and Phil had to pay £400 to transport them to London by taxi.

He also remembered travelling to Granada Studios in 2006 with pub regulars to watch The Price is Right.

Phil was chosen to be a contestant after he turned up dressed as St George.

He said: "When we first moved here it was a lot busier. Now the smoking ban has come in and cheap beer at the supermarkets. It's taken its toll."

Phil added that he thinks of the customers as his friends.

"I don't regard them as customers. I regard them as friends. I just can't thank them enough for making it such a pleasant experience."