MORE than 70 squash players past and present made a racket to mark the closure of a club where they have played for almost a quarter of a century.

Members of Brintons Squash Club's used their annual "Simmo" night to meet up and bid farewell to the venue that has served them for 23 years.

They will be forced to play elsewhere following the sale of Oldington sports ground.

The Simmo night has been held for the past 10 years in memory of club stalwart Graham Simmonds who died aged 36.

During the evening a series of singles and doubles matches were played at the venue for the final time, with Sim-monds's brother Geoff and sister-in-law Karen taking part.

His mother Rita was presented with a crystal rose bowl.

Spokeswoman Alison Hyde said: "It was an extremely enjoyable night, but also sad, to think that at the end of May, such a centre for sports of all types at Oldington will be lost.

"Hopefully many friendships will continue and people will carry on their love for their particular sport at other clubs."