For the first time in a decade Mecca Bingo has reported an increase in customers. The gaming giant that operates 103 land based bingo clubs has recently introduced late nights, running games like Rock and Roll bingo and karaoke. Customer numbers have risen by 3.4% to 943,000 in the six months to the end of June.

The company which is well known for adding ‘extras’ to its online bingo website is now considering further late night features at its bingo clubs including "virtual snail racing" and dancers.

It seems that the extra features have been attractive to the younger customers as the average customer age has fallen to the early 50s during the day sessions and mid 40s in the evening sessions.

During the period almost £4million was spent improving clubs and replacing canteen-style food for table service.

Chief executive Ian Burke has insisted that additional services the Mecca Bingo clubs are now offering are not at the expense of its core bingo customers.

He said: "We want a business that is sustainable rather than one that is fashionable."

Although sales rose 2.1% to £119m, profits were down by 16% after a £1.9m hit from January's VAT increase.

The Grosvenor Casinos', also part of the Rank Group, saw profits jump by a 20 percent to £17.6m. Casino customers broke the one million mark for the first time.

The company also celebrated the £42.5 million refund from the Inland Revenue.

To play bingo at Mecca Bingo click here