A CLUB for former airmen is to close after 40 years.

Members of the Durham branch of the RAF Association (Rafa) voted for closure at a meeting held in the club, in Crossgate, on Tuesday night.

Last orders will be called on December 31. The building, a former private house which has been the association's home since 1964, will then be sold.

Branch leaders called the emergency vote because the club is struggling to cover its costs and is short of volunteers.

But they have stressed the association will continue to provide companionship for its members, raise funds and campaign on welfare issues.

Chairman David Wilmers, 61, said: "There is every reason to believe that the branch will continue and flourish in Durham for many years ahead."

The Rafa Durham branch has 136 members, and the club's quarters are used by line dancers, a table tennis club and a fishermen's group.

Only 30 people attended Tuesday's meeting. Two-thirds of those eligible voted to close.

Mr Wilmers said: "To only have about 30 people there was very disappointing, but not unexpected.

"There is no way we could have made the club viable without a sudden burst of members and people willing to support the club and association.

"Unfortunately, there isn't that interest. I think everyone saw the writing on the wall.

"We are not in Durham to provide just another pub. It was originally for ex-members of the Royal Air Force to gather together and socialise - not a few members of the RAF and everybody else coming in for a drink.

"Meeting in some convenient place, a pub or public hall perhaps, the branch will have time and energy to spend on comradeship, fundraising and welfare."

Branch leaders are now considering seeing the club off with a bang, in a big New Year's Eve party. A number of events planned for next month will go ahead.

All proceeds from the sale of the building, a potentially valuable city centre property, will go to the Durham Rafa branch.

Membership is open to all exservice personnel. For more information, write to 57 Crossgate, Durham, DH1 1PR, or call 0191- 386-9736.