THE last chapter in the 54-year history of one of the region's most famous clubs has brought a £27,600 windfall for good causes in the area.

The winding up of the Wilton Castle Club, which was formerly the social centre for ICI on Teesside, led to a £38 bonus for all 2,500 members, after the club's assets were sorted out and dispersed.

However, instead of spending the money on themselves, many generous members opted to donate the cash to a special charities fund. As a result six local charities nominated by members have each benefited by £4,600.

John Kay, chairman of the Wilton Castle Club, handed over the cheques in Billingham, yesterday.

The charities to benefit are Teesside Hospice, the Holistic Cancer Care Project at South Cleveland Hospital, The Ann Charlton Lodge for multiple sclerosis sufferers, the Coatham House project for homeless young people in east Cleveland, The Teesside Samaritans, and Botton Village, a residential community for people with special needs, near Danby

The club was founded by ICI employees in 1946 and played an important part in the social and business activities of ICI on Teesside.

It offered a variety of sporting and social activities designed to cater for the widely different interests of members and their guests. The castle has been sold to Wimpey Homes to be developed into executive housing.