THE owner of a popular social club has sold up and left after finally completing 'a long, emotional' goodbye.

Phil Miller has been running The Stanley in Accrington for more than 14 years but closed earlier this week as he completed the sale of the site.

The process of selling the venue started three years ago, but after the original buyer 'disappeared' a new deal to sell the club was finalised in the last few weeks.

Having now poured his last pint in the venue, Mr Miller thanked customer as he marked 'the end of an era'.

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The 59-year-old said: "In its prime it was one of the biggest clubs in town, it was built up from nothing.

"It's emotional, I've had some fantastic memories and made some really great friends.

"Without great customers a club is nothing.

"The people who've been coming in I don't look at as customers, they're friends, this won't be the end.

"It has been a big part of my life for so long.

"It really is the end of an era."

The club in Stanley Street, was originally called Dyers and Finishers Working Men's Club, later reopened as Stanley Street Social Club and then renamed The Stanley.

The past week has featured a series of emotional goodbyes for the venue's darts, dominoes and pool teams.

Karaoke nights were also popular events at the Stanley Street venue.

The grandfather-of-four said a highlight of his time at the club was having former darts world champion Eric Bristow come in and watch darts, before heading out for a curry with him after.

He also praised the working relationship he had with Heineken and John Smith's.

He said another memorable moment was putting on 21 coaches to travel to watch Burnley's 2009 play-off victory against Sheffield United at Wembley.

A taxi also had to be put on for the trip after four passengers were left behind.

The father-of-two is now heading on holiday to Benidorm for a short break and must then decide how to progress with 'the next chapter' of his life.

Mr Miller said: "I had some great times but it is time to move on.

"I haven't got any idea what to do next, the holiday has come at a good time.

"When I get back I'll have to knuckle down and find something, but I haven't got a clue.

"I'll be able to spend more time with my family which is great.

"It'll be the start of a new chapter."

Mr Miller said he now expects the building to be turned into flats by the new owners.