BINGO is making a return to Leominster.

Under the ownership of Roger Witnall – who also runs community bingo club The Ritz in Belper, Derbyshire – the Westbury Street venue will re-open as Clifton Bingo from next week.

Mr Witnall says it is a fitting tribute to the venue's former use as the Clifton Cinema which provided entertainment in the town for four decades from 1936.

Membership for the new Clifton community bingo club opens tomorrow and Mr Witnall hopes it will be open for eyes down again from Monday.

"Our main aim was to get the club back open before the customers evaporate away. We'll get it open and then work on putting our own stamp on it over time,” said Mr Witnall, who has been involved in the bingo industry for 40 years.

"I was involved in the centre around 10 years ago and used to do the machine maintenance. When I heard it was closing down I saw an opportunity to have another community club.”

The venue closed as Top Ten Bingo back in May.

Speaking of the venue’s new name, Mr Witnall added: “I’m a traditionalist and love old buildings. The landlords – Kingsland-based Powell and Co Construction – have been absolutely superb and have been very accommodating. We are very thankful for their help and support.”