A social club which claims to be the oldest in England and once counted Oliver Reed among its members is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

The Wimbledon Village Club in Lingfield Road was initially built to give enjoyment and intellectual stimulation to the working and middle classes in Victorian times.

Around 800 people now belong, and members have included MPs, sculptor David Wynne and Oliver Reed.

Legend has it that the famous actor once turned up with most of his shirt ripped off his back.

But because his collar and tie was still in place, as was customary for patrons of the club in the 1970s, he was still allowed inside.

The building was also where Earl Spencer's proposal to turn Wimbledon Common into an enclosed park was defeated in 1866.

Members now range in age from 18 to over 90, and the longest serving member has belonged since 1948.

Bob Ferris has been chairman of the club for 11 years.

Although he lives in Banstead, he still makes the trip every week so he can socialise and play snooker.

He said: "It provides a safe environment to drink where everyone's a member. No one behaves poorly because the penalties are dire. It's not like a pub where, if you get banned, you just go to another one.

"It's nicely furnished and there's good company. There's a broad mix of people, from those with money to working men. We're unique in that we're thriving where other similar clubs are struggling."

Special events - including sessions where all drinks will cost just £1 - will be laid on to mark the sesquicentenary.

There will also be an anniversary reception and show for everyone who uses the building, including the Wimbledon Village Museum, the Wimbledon Light Opera Society and a Montessori school.

For more information, see thewvc.co.uk/