The club, in King Street, has been struggling to attract new members and is appealing for residents to show their support – or risk losing the facility.

It currently has around 250 members of all ages, but is keen to welcome some new faces and advertise the variety of activities they have on offer.

Ms Karen Treacher, club secretary for around nine years, said: "Since the smoking ban we have found less people are coming in, but a lot of people don't know we are here and don't realise they can join without being ex-service people. We are here and we are not shut, as some people have said."

The club, which also has a function room available for hire, has pool, darts and dominos teams and holds monthly quizzes and bingos.

Ms Treacher said: "Community groups and a dance class use our hall and we want to let people know there is lots going on. If residents don't use the club, they could lose. We have already lost our bank, village hall and library so we are trying to keep it open."

Anyone wishing to join is welcome to go down to the club to have a look around. To find out more or to get involved, call the club on 01406 350359.