SOCIAL clubs used to be simply working men's drinking dens – but no longer.Trimley Sports and Social Club is celebrating a quarter of a century of serving up much more than pints in a smoky room.

SOCIAL clubs used to be simply working men's drinking dens – but no longer.

Trimley Sports and Social Club is celebrating a quarter of a century of serving up much more than pints in a smoky room.

The thriving club, which has more than 500 members, is planning to mark the milestone in exactly the same way as it celebrated its opening back in 1978, with a Valentine's Disco on February 15.

The silver anniversary will be the theme throughout the year and the club already has a large programme of events lined up.

"The club is thriving now and people recognise that this is a social club for all the family, for all ages. Our challenge is to get that message across to people in the area," said manageress, Sharon Owen.

"We are working very hard and word of mouth is helping to spread the message, especially from people delighted at how we have hosted their wedding receptions or their parties and events."

The club in High Road, Trimley St Martin, cost £100,000 when it was built as the Port of Felixstowe Sports and Social Club.

It was known for years as "the dock club" until the port's association with it ended in 1994 and the members paid off the loans and it changed its name.

"A lot of our members still have port connections and we have some people who have been members for 25 years. But we do have a lot of new blood, too, from Felixstowe and Trimley, but also much further afield," said club chairman Chris Cushnahan.

"The squash courts we have is one of our big attractions, also our field and we are home to several football teams.

"With The Hollies now closed we have become home to several BT sports teams. This club is now the jewel in the crown among the clubs in the area."

The club boasts acres of sports fields – the village carnival uses the site for outdoor events and there are squash courts, a tennis court, a large hall, lounge bar and another bar, kitchen, office and children's play area, and parking facilities.

"The committee is working hard to bring new members in and try new ideas. And we are trying to drum up corporate business and encourage local firms to enroll their employees as members who will benefit from our superb facilities," said secretary Christine Melvin.

n The Valentines Disco is on Saturday, February 15. Members admitted free, guests £2.