AS the closure of a popular bingo hall approaches, The Mail has looked back at some of the most memorable moments that took place theere over the years.

Apollo Bingo in Barrow will be closing on Saturday, April 1 and bosses have thanked its loyal customers.

Work at the Hollywood Park construction site in 1998 and 1999 saw the creation of the hall.

The Mail: Kath Hamer enjoying the opening evening at the Top Ten Bingo.Kath Hamer enjoying the opening evening at the Top Ten Bingo. (Image: Archives)

Previously known as Top Ten Bingo, the opening of the hall, at Hollywood Park, in Barrow, was reported in The Mail on Friday, June 25 in 1999.

It was opened by mayor Cllr Jean Waiting and it cost £1.25m to build and equip.

The venue is currently owned by the Majestic Bingo Chain, one of the UK's largest independent operators of retail bingo.

Here are some pictures from The Mail's archive.

The Mail: Pictured receiving the cheque are radio presenters Stuart Rogers and Peter Storry and station manager Blake McKinnell while presenting are Top Ten Bingo manager Paul Holland and relief caller Ann Wilson.Pictured receiving the cheque are radio presenters Stuart Rogers and Peter Storry and station manager Blake McKinnell while presenting are Top Ten Bingo manager Paul Holland and relief caller Ann Wilson. (Image: Archives)

Staff at Top Ten Bingo at Hollywood Park present a cheque to Radio Lonsdale's trackathon appeal after holding charity bingo games. A total of £350 was raised which boosted the hospital radio station's appeal fund to over £900. 

The Mail: Assistant Manager with Greengate Junior School soccer team.Assistant Manager with Greengate Junior School soccer team. (Image: Archives)

Assistant manager at Top Ten Bingo Kelly Shepperd presented Greengate Junior School soccer team captain Scott Kaighan with £538.50 towards the teams' trip to Holland in May to play in the Schools Euro 2000.

The Mail: Abigail Doughty.Abigail Doughty. (Image: Archives)

Bingo winner Abigail Doughty won £129,419,61p at the Apollo Bingo and Social Club last night on December 28 in 2014. 

Readers have shared their sadness over the closure of the hall.

Kerry Clarke said: "Gutted. We love coming to Apollo Bingo Barrow. The staff are all friendly and I wish you all good luck in your new jobs."

John Mckinnon said: "Been going to apollo bingo for 10 years since I first joined in 2013. Had good wins and good times and made friends. Be coming on the April 1 for the last ever time."

Nick Watson said: "I feel sorry for all the staff who are losing their jobs and the amazing customers that they have coming in the place."

The Mail: Top Ten Bingo in 2005.Top Ten Bingo in 2005. (Image: Archives)

An Apollo Bingo Barrow spokesman said: "Apollo Bingo Barrow will be closing its doors for the last time on Saturday Evening, April 1, our last bingo session.

"Come and join us in our last days as we celebrate many fabulous years serving the people of Barrow.

"We’re going to miss you loads and want to thank you for all of your support over the years.

"Saturday Evening, April 1, although our last session, you can still join us online at majesticbingo.com"

The closure comes after councillors unanimously approved a plan to bring a toy superstore to Barrow. 

Smyths Toys is set to open in the Hollywood Park unit.