Isle of Wight charity organisation Ryde Lions Club is to say 'farewell' after 55 years. 

The club, which was the first Lions club on the Island, is to close its doors due to several factors, including age and dwindling numbers of new volunteers.

Chair John Way said: "Most of our members are getting quite old now, so we just can’t physically do what we used to.”

"So we made the decision to close the club.

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"That was the main reason — we just couldn’t get any new members."

Despite sadness at the closure, the club had many great achievements over the years.

Part of 46,000 Lions Club's internationally in over 200 countries, the club provided support and donations to local charities and initiatives, including Ryde Aspire and Girl Guides.

The club also provided marshals for the Walk the Wight flat route every year.

John said: "The decision to close down was not taken lightly, but with ageing members, and a lack of new members, the end was inevitable."