Stag parties head for the bingo halls

It may not be the most traditional idea for a stag night, but an increasing number of young grooms are spending their final hours of freedom in the bingo halls, according to one observer.

John Mitchell, who has worked at Aberdeen's Gala Bingo Club for almost 20 years, claimed that the age range of visitors to the hall is beginning to change.

As an increasing number of younger people begin to try their luck at a game once more popular with older individuals, many halls are reporting a boom in business despite the economic slowdown.

Some players are enjoying it so much that they see the game of chance as an ideal way to celebrate their stag nights, Mr Mitchell said.

"Now [bingo] attracts much younger people of both sexes. We often get people here on hen and stag nights out," he commented.

The idea could take off this year as an increasing number of stag parties are likely to seek out cheaper alternatives to traditional weekends in eastern Europe, which have become more expensive as a result of the weakening pound.