A FORMER psychiatric hospital ward is to play host to a long-running sports and social club as it patiently awaits its new home.

High Royds Sports and Social Club is about to move into what was once Ward Ten of High Royds Hospital -- and latterly a training area -- as the diggers move in on the clubhouse members have occupied since 1971.

The club was originally set up for hospital staff, their friends and family members, in the grounds of the old Victorian asylum.

The hospital closed in recent years to make way for what is to be a major housing development.

Part of the deal for the site includes a new clubhouse for High Royds Sports and Social Club, but as this may be one of the last buildings to go up on the site, members could spend three years socialising in the former hospital ward.

The club was recently contacted by the developer, telling members they had to be prepared to move within weeks.

Work is now said to be feverishly taking place to get Ward Ten up to scratch, but the club is unable to confirm when it will be running in its temporary home, as the ward will require health and safety checks and the granting of a new licence to serve alcohol.

The developer is said to be spending tens of thousands of pounds on fitting out the former Ward Ten, complete with a bar and many other facilities.

But to mark the end of an era in the club's current base - as well as to toast the future ahead, the club is holding a special celebration on Friday November 4.

Club secretary, Tom Booth, is keen to encourage not only the regulars, but also old friends, former hospital staff and members who have not attended recently to come to the event.

There will be a disco and fun entertainment provided by 2B or Not 2B.

As well as catching up with old workmates and other members of the community which once centred on the large hospital, visitors will get a chance to look at the architects plans for the new club building.

Entry to the event will cost £4. It is hoped the club will continue to flourish in future and attract new members.