AN end of an era passed at the weekend when a Southampton club closed its doors for the final time in its centenary year.

Hulse Road Social Club went into receivership last year after struggling with mounting debts.

It was sold for £1.8m to a development firm which now hopes to convert the site into flats.

The venue, which includes the Banister Ballrooms, served its last drinks on Saturday night.

It was the hub of the Swinging Sixties in the city when the ballroom heaved with party-goers.

The club was formed in 1902 and was initially based above a shop in Onslow Road.

It moved to a new site shortly afterwards, now the Magnum nightclub in St Mary's Road, before settling in Hulse Road.

Its first president was one of Southampton's first Alderman, Tommy Lewis,

Club secretary Tony Woods said: "It's a sad ending to a long and distinguished club.

"It moved to Hulse Road when things began to prosper and there was a time when it was very successful and popular."

Receivers were called in last year after brewery giants Scottish and Newcastle went to court over money owed to it.

A meeting takes place next month to decide whether to dissolve the club itself or move to new premises in the city.

Member Peter Knight said: "It is disappointing. There are a lot of people who are very upset, particularly as several other social clubs have closed in recent times.

"The Banister Ballrooms were even known outside of Southampton and people would travel to go there.

"It's another part of Southampton that will be lost forever."