Cries of 'house!' may soon be heard at a former nightclub in Frome after its was revealed that a mystery consortium is planning to open the town's first bingo hall there next month.

The group, whose members wish to remain anonymous until the launch night, has secured an 11-year lease on the Level One club in the Kingsway Precinct.

They have applied to Mendip District Council for a licence, and a decision is due to be made at the end of April.

The club is expected to be called the Kingsway Bingo Club and if it is given the go-ahead it will open six nights a week and three afternoons, creating 10 new jobs for the town.

Frome police and Frome Town Council have visited the site, which has been completely gutted by the group, and both have said they have no objections to the proposal.

It has taken four months to clear out the building, which was closed as a nightclub in April 2008, after having its licence revoked by the licensing authority for anti-social behaviour issues.

The site has sat empty for a year and there were rumours that Marks and Spencer would take it over and refurbish it.

A spokesman for the consortium said: "We've decided to open a bingo club as it is a very popular pastime and there is no real facility in Frome.

"We felt there was a gap in the market and plan to hold early evening games and afternoon sessions.

"We believe it will be a successful venture and are looking forward to welcoming people to come along and have a go."

The group have said there will be three-figure cash prizes and four- figure jackpots, and the club can hold up to 300 people.