Scocial network Friends Reunited to close

Steve Pankhurst, one of the site’s founders, said it is still used by some but is “no longer used for the purpose it was built for”.

The site was first launched in 2000 and acquired for the huge fee by ITV in 2005 and going on to reach more than 10 million users globally.

However, its popularity has suffered due to the rise of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social networks.

Mr Pankhurst said the decision to shut the site, which he had reacquired from DC Thompson, came because it could no longer cover its own costs.

According to Mr Pankhurst and business partner Jason Porter, the site had become just a “message board” for the “handful” of users who remain.

“Whilst it’s sad, I believe that it’s time to move on and put Friends Reunited to bed,” Mr Pankhurst said.