FREE bingo is being held for three days at the Mecca Club in Southend.

The nationwide company has launched its Boost Bingo campaign, running on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Customers can play for the chance to win cash prizes in the free games.

The Boost Bingo campaign, led by the Bingo Association, calls on the Government to bring tax on bingo in line with other leisure pursuits. Most other gambling activities are taxed at 15 per cent, but the bingo industry has been subjected to duty at 20 per cent.

Barry Lyons, of Mecca, in Greyhound Way, said: “Bingo is a much-loved game in Southend and that’s why it’s so important for people to support the Boost Bingo campaign by coming down to play the Boost Bingo free games.

"The unfair tax burden is putting financial pressures on clubs like mine, and preventing investment, new jobs and new clubs. I’m urging customers to go to their bingo club this weekend, play the free bingo games, and sign our petition.”