A THRIVING working men's club in Darlington celebrates its 100th anniversary this week.

Harrowgate WMC, on Salters Lane North, first opened on April 11, 1907.

One hundred years on, it has 1,638 members - and the cheapest beer in town, they reckon.

It even has a member who has been around longer than the club - Sid Arrowsmith, who is 104.

The club's first building was between Mayfair Road and Glebe Road, near where the Salters Lane roundabout now stands.

In 1910, the club's committee decided new premises were needed, so it built the existing club. The new building, which opened in 1912, cost £3,250. It has since been valued at £2m.

The club was extended and refurbished in 1980, and refurbished again in 1983.

Then, the Evening Despatch wrote: "It is all part of a drive to promote a modern image in the face of a recession."

The club has three snooker tables, pool, darts, and Sky Sports.

"Fully paid up, not Al Jazeera tv," said club secretary Ronnie Britton.

There is even an angling club, which owns a stretch of the River Tees and leases a pond at Sockburn Hall. All this for a £5 annual subscription.

Club treasurer Dave Cartwright said: "The club has been quite prosperous over the years, it has never been in dire need of anything. In 1988 and 1989, we paid off the brewery, Vaux Samson, and we can set our own prices. The prices in this club must be the lowest in the town."

Banks's is £1.30 a pint, with Tetley's £1.40, Foster's £1.70, and Guinness £2.

Of the 1,638 members, the committee reckons it sees about 300 regularly, with Friday and Saturday nights busiest.

Les Foster, who joined in 1945, is the longest serving member. There are also 425 lady members.

The club's building, large car park, and allotments are understandably coveted. In the past few years, the committee has turned down offers from a building company and a supermarket.

Colin Jackson, vice-president, said: "When I first came in a few years ago, there was a lot needed to be done. We have spent a lot of money recently, and it is looking good."

The club's 100th birthday party is on Wednesday, at 7.30pm.