A society which brought joy to Accrington’s music lovers for more than a century has been forced to close.

A shortage of members and falling attendance at concerts has forced the 112-year-old Accrington Clef Club to disband.

Membership of the club nearly halved in the last four years, with the number of attendees falling from 86 in 2011 to 47 in 2015.

Secretary Alan Bowles, who was part of the group for more than 20 years, said: “I’m very disappointed, but the fact remains that we got to the end of our 2014/15 season and we had to consider where to go from here.

“Unfortunately, due to the lack of membership, we had to make the decision to disband.”

Efforts had been made by the group to recruit some younger members, but they were unsuccessful.

Alan said: “In some schools they provide really good musical education and some great teachers encourage the students to join societies like ours.

“But if a 15-year-old came to a normal meeting he would see people he would see as elderly.

“I will really miss the club.

“Going to the concerts was really enjoyable and a great form of relaxation.”

Founded in 1903 by music teacher George Oldham, members believe the Accrington Clef Club was one of only three societies of its kind in the country.

Members of the society paid a £25 annual subscription, giving them access to monthly classical concerts, which were held at the town’s library for 28 years.

Over the years a number of venues housed the society’s events, including the Commercial Hotel and the Mechanics’ Institute.

The club’s talented members, who included singers, pianists and instrumentalists, would showcase their musical skills and professional musicians were occasionally invited to perform.

Music composed by members would often be premiered at meetings.

In a letter to the Accrington Observer, Clef Club member Mr Edward Pettinger said: “It was the friendliest club one could imagine.

“Anybody who had a love of music was welcomed as a member, occupation and class made no difference.

“After 112 years of live music, which have given so much pleasure to generations of music lovers, only the wonderful memories remain.”