Falling customer numbers has led to a ‘gut-wrenching’ decision to close the doors on Broughton Legion for one last time.

Husband-and-wife team Brian and Sue Hewitson pulled their final pints as landlords of the legion at the end of August, after three years at the helm.

It marked the end of an era for the Legion, which has been a major part of village life for decades.

Sue used to work as a cleaner at the Legion and had never even pulled a pint when she was asked to take over the running of the building from ex-landlord Lee Clucas three years ago.

But she took it on in order to keep the facility available for villagers.

She was devastated when they had to close. “We had to make the gut-wrenching decision to close as there has been falling numbers since Christmas,” said Sue. “We are both really gutted about it.

“We had a really good carnival day, but the day after we just made £14. We’ve tried everything.”

The couple would like to see it open again as a resource for the village and both have lots of great memories of the building.

Sue said: “I would really like to thank my family, they have been a big support to us. We’d like to thank our regulars, Moss, Denis, Billy Graham and Norman Marshall, and all the customers and everyone that has come in and supported us over the years.”

Mr Marshall added: “They’ve done their best, nobody could have done better. Sadly in this day and age people are not going out. We’ve gone there for baptisms, carnival, fundraisers – there’s even been a wedding. Now there’s nowhere else in the village with a venue. I’ve nothing but praise for Sue and Brian. On behalf of the village I’d like to thank them for all that they have done.”

Villager Liz Pattinson said: “I’d like to thank them for giving it their all and making it work the years they’ve been in. There are some great memories with the kids parties we held - Halloween and Christmas. Things won’t be the same. It’s going to be a very big miss to the village.”

A Royal British Legion spokesman said: “This long-standing members’ club has been in decline for several years, and the club approached the Legion recently after its members voted for closure, due to financial pressures.”

The Legion will be sold, with proceeds going back into the Armed Forces community in the area.