A LONG-running society which boasts celebrity antiques expert Henry Sandon among its membership has decided to call it a day after 45 years.

Until a few years ago Malvern Antiques Apprec-iation Society boasted a membership of more than 100 people and a waiting list of more keen to join.

However numbers have dropped to nearer 50 in recent years and organisers had been trying to attract new blood.

But, with an ageing and declining membership, they have now decided the moment is right to call time on the organisation.

Vice chairman Jane Ratcliffe said the decision was taken at the club’s latest committee meeting “with great regret”.

“Our membership was falling and sadly it was the general consensus of the committee that we should call it a day,” she said.

“The club has a proud history and we are all very sad to see it go after so long.

“The decision was a difficult one and it was taken with much regret.

“But it was just felt that there was no longer the man power there to carry it on.”