A BRIDGE club is looking to increase its appeal to people of all ages whilst raising money for charity at the same time.

St Georges Bridge Centre, on Whessoe Road in Darlington, is one of the largest clubs in the North-East and caters for absolute beginners, as well as national and international players.

Bridge uses the standard 52-card deck and is one of the most popular card games, with millions of people playing all over the world.

Since St Georges Bridge Centre opened more than a decade ago, several members have represented England in junior international matches, and others have also won numerous national competitions over the last few years.

Grace Hunter, who plays bridge at the centre, said: “There are many clubs all over the area affiliated to the English Bridge Union (EBU), and also lots of smaller clubs meet up in village halls and other venues, such as Aycliffe and Barnard Castle, as well as people playing social bridge in their own homes.

“It is a game that can be played by all ages and it also helps to keep the brain active.

The centre, which was formed by the co-operation of Darlington, Hurworth and Long Newton bridge clubs, is one of only three clubs in the UK to own its own premises.

"People play here up to nine times a week, with beginners. improvers, and intermediate classes, as well as normal duplicate bridge, area competitions, as well as lunch and supper evenings," added Ms Hunter.

"Even if you have never played Bridge before, you can still join in the fun.

"It is very big and very popular - it is not a game of chance, it is a game of skill.

"It is a game that lots of people take up later in life when they cannot do regular sport, but you can take it up at any ages.

"We are getting younger ones, and we hope more and more of them will take it up."

The centre is planning to host a charity event on Saturday, March 24, to raise money for Darlington-based St Teresa's Hospice, which provides palliative and end of life care and support.

Andrew Robson, an author and high level bridge player, will be attending the event, which is being held at The Croft Hotel in Darlington.

Mr Robson will be leading a bridge teaching seminar for 160 people, and there will be 40 tables available which are being sponsored for £50 each.

For more information about St Georges Bridge Centre, call 01325 360340, email anybody@stgeorgesbridge.co.uk, or visit www.stgeorgesbridge.co.uk.

To find out more about the game of bridge, visit www.bridgeworld.com.