A TOWN'S masonic hall has been sold following dwindling numbers of members using it.

The 'substantial sum' raised will go to charity.

The building in the Richmond Terrace Conservation Area was owned by The Blackburn Masonic Hall Company Ltd.

Bought in 1924 it has been used by several Masonic Lodges with more than 800 members using it at its post-Second World War Two peak.

But following a decline in numbers meeting at the venue to around 50, the company was forced to sell the hall.

It is understood the new owner wants to turn the building into 'town centre living' apartments.

The company has now put its furnishings, regalia and kitchen, restaurant and bar equipment up for auction.

The proceeds of both sales will go to the East Lancashire Masonic Charity while the lodges currently using it will go to other nearby masonic halls including in Darwen and Whalley.

James Abbott, the 82-year-old manager of the building and company secretary of the Blackburn Masonic Hall Company Ltd, said: "The reason for the sale is dwindling numbers using the premises.

"We could no longer afford the overheads.

"It's very sad but that is the way the world goes.

"We had a very good offer for the building which we accepted in mid-September.

"We needed to do something before the company went bust.

"The proceeds of the sale - a substantial sum after we have paid off our debts - will go the East Lancashire Masonic Charity.

"It will distribute them for charitable purposes as it sees fit. That is one of the functions of the Freemasons. The other is to make good men better.

"At its peak after the Second World War we had 800 to 900 people from various lodges using the hall. It is now down to about 50.

"The lodges will use other halls in East Lancashire including in Darwen and Whalley.

"It is disappointing.

"I have been a mason for 48 years and it has been a wrench."

The online auction of the regalia, furniture and fittings is be conducted by Sanderson Weatherall between November 8 and 25 with a viewing day on November 24.

Several other properties in Richmond Terrace are in the process of being converted into flats.

It is understood the building's purchaser hopes to turn it into apartments.