Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has been made a patron of the Brighstone Reading Rooms and Social Club – a club built by his ancestors over 100 years ago.

The Reading Room was built in 1905 by Mr Seely’s great-great grandfather, Sir Charles Seely, to encourage literacy.

It was gifted to the community in 1928 by Sir Hugh Seely as a reading and coffee room.

It later became the base for Brighstone Social Club, which provides facilities for snooker, petanque and social events.

Click here to download a form to join

Mr Seely accepted the role of patron at the club’s AGM on Friday, April 5.

He said: “It was a privilege to be asked to be patron of the Brighstone Reading Rooms and Social Club to help futureproof the club that my ancestors built over 100 years ago.

“I am thrilled that people are still using it today and membership figures are rising. The snooker and billiards tables are among the best on the Island and the drinks are good value too.”

The club has increased its membership from 90 to around 160 members over the past year.

Club chair, Graham Ockendon, said he was delighted with the appointment and added: "It seems fitting that the patron should be a member of the Seely family. Bob is already helping us to raise the profile of the club so we can continue to grow our membership and carry out improvement works.”