Bingo players fear their club’s number is up and are issuing a rallying call after a shock announcement to close the hall.

Members hope to convince managers to reconsider shutting Beacon Bingo in Margate and are launching a petition.

The venue revealed last week it will be calling for the last time on April 5 after more than 30 years in the town.

The company says “significant trading losses” for the past few years is the reason behind the decision, despite having more than 1,000 players every week.

But dozens of regulars gathered outside the troubled club on Monday hoping someone will come in and save the bingo hall.

Cathy Hussey, who has been playing at the club for seven years, said they would “do anything to save it”.

“Everyone is rallying round and a petition is up and we hope they can keep it running and get on to the management,” she said.

“A lot of older ladies, and men, go there and it’s their only outlet. It’s a total shock and I just couldn’t believe it and had no inkling.

“It’s the only bingo club I know where the caller knows everyone’s names.”

Mrs Hussey, 68, says going to play at another place like Mecca at Westwood Cross would not be the same because the atmosphere is more friendly at Beacon.

People come from all over Kent, including Canterbury, Ashford, Herne Bay, Folkestone, Dover and Deal to play at the Margate venue, with regular players aged between 18 and 98.

“We’re not just older people who play there,” Mrs Hussey added. “There’s a number of 18th birthday parties come there and hen dos. Holidaymakers in the summer fill it up at the weekends.

“It’s just so tragic. I feel sorry for myself because I love the bingo but it’s the staff I feel most for.

“There’s a couple that work there so that’s two incomes and a lady who’s only had one job and been here 27 years and says she doesn’t know anything else. “

Bosses at Beacon’s parent company, Praesepe Group, say financial losses in previous years proved too much, while thanking staff for their service.

Mark Schertle, chief operating officer, said: “The outstanding contribution of all Praesepe staff and management at this club for over seven years has enabled us to provide a great service to the local community.

“Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the bingo club has made a significant trading loss for the past few years.”

The company insists the decision is purely based on its financial performance, and confirmed the hall’s 25 employees now face redundancy.

It added that all staff will be consulted to “explore ways of avoiding and minimising the potential risk” of job losses.

A spokesman said the company will be making “every effort to seek redeployment” but had no plans to relocate the bingo hall elsewhere in the town.

But new roles could be found for staff at the Cashino and The Fabulous Showboat venues, which Praesepe operates in the buildings next door.

The spokesman added: “The financial losses for Beacon Margate have been ongoing for a number of years despite the best efforts of the team. The response from our members are a testament to how hard our teams work.

“We are looking at all options and are in consultation with the teams into how we could move things forward.”

Mrs Hussey won a holiday to the Dominican Republic last year as part of a draw run through the club.

She offered to give the holiday up in a bid to save staff members’ jobs but was told it is too late and will be travelling with her husband and five other couples from the club shortly after the venue closes.

Find the petition online at Change.org via www.change.org/p/save-our-beacon-bingo-hall-margate-kent