A COWDENBEATH bingo hall is set to be reopened after its former manager secured the lease.

Thomas Wilson was manager of Premier Bingo on the High Street for over 20 years until it closed suddenly last month when the company plunged into administration.

He announced to customers through social media that he planned to revive the premises and an online fundraiser has already raised hundreds of pounds to help with costs.

He told the Times that he hopes to announce more detailed plans to his customers soon through the Cowdenbeath Bingo Club Facebook page.

"I used to be the manager for the last 25 years and I am using all my money to do this for the customers," he explained. "The bingo is much more than a gambling establishment, it is a family.

Central Fife Times: Thomas Wilson has secured the lease for the former Premier Bingo premises in Cowdenbeath.Thomas Wilson has secured the lease for the former Premier Bingo premises in Cowdenbeath. (Image: David Wardle)

"Me and all the staff have all been here long-term. Some of the girls have been there 20 to 30 years. We know everybody and that is who I am doing it for. I am doing it for the customers and the fantastic team of staff I had.

"It is definitely going to be opening as a bingo hall but there is the legalities to be worked through first.

"There will be bingo before that, but before the licenses come through, it will be more like club bingo until I have got the operators licence and it won't be every single day."

August's closure came as Premier Bingo establishments in Alloa and Perth were also forced to shut their doors.

Anyone wanting to contribute to the fundraiser can do so by visiting https://gofund.me/d3f4271b.