A NEWTON Abbot social club has closed unexpectedly after more than 150 years in the town.

The Mid Devon Constitutional Club in Union Street shut its bar for the last time on June 30. It has reopened since to honour a pre-booked private party, and again to divvy up the funds of its Christmas Club.

The future of the club, founded in 1865, is uncertain with rumours and counter rumours circulating in the town.

The substantial, three-story building boasts snooker tables, a skittles alley and pool tables and offered hot meals. Its membership has declined from around 500 to some 300 in recent years.