The Royal British Legion social club in Aylsham Road has suddenly closed with immediate effect.

Members said today that the club had been informed by post of the decision by the Royal British Legion in London to withdraw the licence, and effectively put it out of business, and that it had come as 'a bolt from the blue'.

In the letter the Royal British Legion blames the financial management of the club for the closure, but staff said today that the club was now making a profit and was nearly fully-booked for next year, although it did go through a bad financial patch last year.

The club has been around for more than 30 years and is one of the only venues in Mile Cross where retired and elderly people can go for entertainment and relaxation.

The social club's president Billy Critten, who started the club in the late 1970s, said: 'I'm very upset. We are not broke, so I cannot understand it.'

Tony Bennett, the social club's steward, said: 'In the letter the legion told us that we could no longer trade under their name as they have withdrawn the licence from us, so we are closed with immediate effect.'

Staff at the club are currently removing the signs and turning away members arriving for events, functions or to just to have a drink.

Have you recently used the club? What do you think about its closure? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.