A BIG number was up for a North-East bingo hall today (Sunday, May 1) when it marked its golden anniversary.

Celebrations at The Hippodrome Bingo Club in Bishop Auckland, which is as homely as it is historic, included serving up fish and chips for 15p- the same price as 50 years ago.

Guests of honour include Bishop Auckland Town Mayor Councillor Lee Brownson and the company’s managing director Mark Jepp.

General Manager Eric Howell said: “The club plays such an important role with the community.

"We only close on Christmas Day and some of our regulars come every day and have done for years, people come here to eat, drink, have a flutter but it is also a huge social circle.

"People meet friends, it is safe environment and they feel at home, some have their favourite seats and the staff and customers feel part of a family.”

The venue was originally opened as The Hippodrome Theatre in December 1909.

Designed by Darlington architect JJ Taylor, with George W Ward of the architectural firm Owen & Ward, it was Grade II listed by English Heritage in 2012.

Films were part of the variety bill from the early days and in 1920, after alterations by architect William Stockdale, it became a full time cinema, renamed Hippodrome Picture House.

It was taken over by the Newcastle-based Essoldo group of cinemas in 1947 and renamed Essoldo but closed as a cinema in 1966.

It was converted into a Lucky Bingo Club and later operated as a Top Rank Bingo Club.

Now Hippodrome Bingo Club, it is owned by Majestic Bingo Limited.

Mr Howell added: "The building itself is wonderful, it has an atmosphere and character you cannot recreate."