A SAINTS legend got stuck into a game of bingo as he helped celebrate the opening of a new facility in Southampton.

Crowds of more than 100 people, aged 18 to 80, queued outside the new £5million Gala Bingo club in Thornhill, surprising even the management at how popular the venue was.

Southampton footballer Matt le Tissier cut the ribbon alongside Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith.

The venue, on the Antelope Retail Park, in Bursledon Road, which has created 50 new jobs, saw 450 people through its doors in the first hour.

Gala Bingo’s first new build in nine years, it is trialling a new concept for the firm with two separate areas – a traditional quiet 500-seater bingo hall and a more lively bar area where people can socialise while playing using touch screens and electronic tablets.

If it proves successful, the idea could be rolled out elsewhere.

Matt said he was sitting down for a go himself later in the night and was well versed in the game as he had played in Portswood a few years back and more recently on cruises.

He said he had early memories of going to the bingo aged seven with his nan when she was babysitting and having a go on the used cards.

“It’s an amazing place,” he said.

“They’re obviously trying to attract more blokes to come by putting in the pub element and I think it’s worked judging by the turnout.

“I think this part of Southampton it’s a massive social hub because there isn’t a great deal of this kind of stuff where the community can come together.”

Mr Smith said this was the “last piece in the jigsaw” at the retail park and would not only provide entertainment but local jobs.

“There’s always been a lack of facilities on this side of the city so to get it on this side is a real coup.”

Bingo regular Pauline Keane, 69, of Sholing said: “It’s just fantastic. I think it will be a social point for the area and it might make more people play bingo.”