MONDAY brought the end of an era for the war heroes of Atherton.

The Discharged Sailors' and Soldiers' Club in High Street, sinking under debt, was wound up 82 years to the day of its formation.

After a tough struggle for survival it was finally turned over to new owners, brothers, and former licencees Lawrence and Tommy Morgan and Lawrence's son, Lawrence.

The club, bought for £125,000, will be given a facelift inside and out and be known under the new name of Morgans.

As the S and S club secretary, Brenda Murphy, prepared to move out this week, she said: "The club is going out with its head held high.

"We were pushed into a corner. We either let the club go into liquidation or sell it.

"There was only the games room keeping us going, we didn't have the money for artists and were going the way of many other clubs.

"Now all our creditors hopefully will be paid and if any money is left it has been agreed it will go to local charities.

"It's been a hard slog for the committee members who were left, and it's a sad day for all of us.

"All the war memorablia which was displayed in the lounge has been given to the archives department at Leigh Town Hall and the 200 members will be able to go along there to see it.

Bought

"The premises, a former doctor's house, were bought after the Great War for £750 and the first meeting was held on September 19 1919.

"Unbelievably the last extra general meeting took place on September 19 2001 - and we didn't know until I found some documents while clearing out.

"The RNA and SSAFA who held meetings in the club have found new bases in Westhoughton and the slimmers, swimmers and line dancers who met here were upset to have to move on."

For the new owners, Tommy, former landlord of the George V1 and Bridgewater Hotel, Leigh, and now with a window cleaning business, said the club would be totally renovated and brought upto date.

It is hoped to run the front section like a pub during the week and as a nightclub at weekends with a singles night on Thursdays, disco Friday and Sunday, and cabaret on Saturday. It will be strictly for over 25s.

Lawrence Jun, a landscape gardener, said: "The bowling green will be kept for the people of Atherton and all the garden area will be done and seating installed. Everyone will be welcome."

Lawrence Sen, who has been retired since leaving the Mountain Dew, Atherton, where he was licensee for 12 years, said: "The club is now closed, but we are hoping to re-open until January, when we will close for facelft work to be done."

Bob and Diane Lloyd, who have been steward and stewardess at the club for two and a half years this week moved to Bedford Liberal Club. Alan Wheeler (former club secretary), Tommy and Lawrence Morgan with Lawrence jnr (co-owners).