A RIBBLE Valley club which has been going for more than 80 years could be forced to close if more members are not found, according to bosses.

The Longridge Royal British Legion Club is down to 80 members from a peak of 250 and is not expected to survive more than five years if numbers continue to drop.

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The short-term future of the Towneley Road club was secured last year after £100,000 was raised through the sale of the car park and games room for development.

But club secretary Derek Helm said that more members and money are needed before funding runs out.

Mr Helm, who has been a member for 15 years, said: “I remember when you used to walk into the club on a Saturday night and you could not get a seat because it was so busy.

“That’s just not the case now and you have no trouble getting some where to sit.

“I don’t know why people think that the legion is just for old people because that’s simply not the case at all.

“We would love to have more people, especially young people, to take over the running of the club in the next few years.

“The club needs new ideas and new people to take it forward otherwise it will disappear.

“It’s such a wonderful organisation to be a part of and the work that they do with the poppy appeal every year is amazing.

“Me and my fellow members are doing everything we can to keep this club going.”

The club was built in the 1930s by ex-servicemen of the First World War and over the years has been home to the Longridge Branch of the Royal British Legion and Women’s Section.

It is hoped for a big turnout at the annual general meeting which will be staged from 8pm at the club on Wednesday.

The meeting is for members only but there will be a chance for new members to join on the day.

Mr Helm added: “The club is continuing to offer free entertainment almost every Saturday night throughout the year; there is the cash bingo every Thursday and the ever popular food bingo held monthly on the last Wednesday of the month.

“We want to host more events and stay at the heart of the community.”