IT was eyes down after the official ribbon cutting as Hereford Mayor Sue Boulter welcomed a new bingo club to the city.

As she officially opened the Buzz Bingo club on Saturday (Feb 9) research showed people in the South of England enjoy the camaraderie of bingo and play to combat loneliness.

“I feel very privileged to have been asked to be the VIP for the launch party and I feel that the bingo club is a good place for people to meet from all aspects of life," said Sue.

“The bingo club creates a social environment for people who might not see anyone for weeks on end.

"I think the members here would feel like one big family and look forward to meeting regularly.”

Buzz Bingo is the UK’s largest chain, with more than 100,000 players winning nearly £3million every week.

New research compiled on behalf of Buzz Bingo has revealed that bingo fans are happier than most, with 70% considering themselves happy, compared to 63% of all people.