FINANCIAL difficulties have forced the closure of a popular Darlington bar, just a few months after it opened for business.

The Green Room opened in Darlington in April, with its owners announcing ambitious plans to attract big-name bands.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday (September 30), promoter Neil Hanlon said the business, in Duke Street, was closing with immediate effect.

He wrote: "It is with great sadness I have to inform you due to financial difficulties The Green Room is closing today.

"We have been doing everything possible to keep it open and hold the gigs at the venue, but it has become impossible to continue.

"All tickets bought online will be refunded, any tickets bought at the venue please [send us] your address and we will bring the refund to your house within the next 48 hours.

"We would like to thank everyone who has supported us during our short time, the bands and DJs that have played, everyone who has came in to the venue.

"Also a big thank you to all the staff who have helped us out. We are well and truly gutted and wish we could have kept on going."

Owner Darrel Johnson posted a similar message on Facebook, and added: "I simply cant afford to carry on.

"I'll probably get a bit of stick from people saying we told you so. But I gave it a go."