A BRIDGE club is celebrating more than 21 years since it was saved from a notorious Brighton landlord. 

The Avenue Bridge Club was based in premises owned by the infamous Nicholas van Hoogstraten, but was told it had to vacate just days before Christmas in 2000.

Members of the club were devastated and with little time to relocate, the future of the club was looking bleak. 

But during a farewell game on December 22, Lord Richard Newton, a keen bridge player, came in and announced that he had bought the club and they did not need to go anywhere. 

Richard, who is the vice president of the Lewes Conservatives, bought the premises and for over 21 years it was the club’s home. 

Julian Mitchel, 58, former manager, said: “I remember the day well, we’d all gathered for one last game because Hoogstraten had given us notice to quit on Christmas Eve. 

“Half way through the games, Richard came in and interrupted and he announced that he had bought the club. 

“Very much eleventh hour stuff.” 

Next week the members will be relocating once again as Richard is unable to continue running the club in Third Avenue, Hove.

The club, which has nearly 200 members, will begin to play in The Sussex pub near the seafront.

Next Friday, March 25, the Avenue Bridge Club is throwing a party in honour of Richard’s bold gesture. 

Julian said: “It’s just about giving thanks to him which is so important. 

“It’s good closure for the club as well, unlike under the previous regime, Richard gave us a great deal of time to sort ourselves out and find somewhere to go.

“We’re very grateful for that and I think everyone is very happy with how it has all worked out.”