WITH regret, I write to announce that Hartlepool Lions Club will close on March 17 due to a combination of members’ health, advancing years, and declining membership.

The club has served the local community for nearly 44 years and the remaining four members have a combined service record of 140 years.

Probably the club will be remembered for organising and running the Boxing Day Dip. Our 40th, and final, dip was held in 2011 and was handed over to Hartlepool Round Table the following year. This event has raised more than £416,000, mostly for local deserving causes, charities and international appeals.

Many thousands of pounds have also been raised solely by the efforts of club members and, in many instances, beneficiaries have chosen not to seek publicity.

All charity money has been distributed and the club is making a final collection of used spectacles, which should bring the total to 107,000 pairs.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone connected with the Lions over all these years that have helped in any way, and to the many dippers for their magnificent efforts in raising funds for charitable causes.

Mike Dowson, Hartlepool Lions.