Classic film channel TCM Movies is to close down in the UK and Ireland after 24 years, it has been announced.

The service - based on the US channel of the same name - launched in 1999, with a schedule primarily consisting of films from the archives of the MGM and Warner Bros. studios.

A post on the channel's social media page has now confirmed its closedown on July 6 but has promised viewers that some TCM content will migrate to the free-to-air service Quest after that date.

It read: "TCM Movies is closing in the UK and Ireland. On July 6th, we'll be riding off into the sunset one last time. Thank you for joining us on our journey and for loving classic movies just as much as we do."

According to the latest data from TV audience firm BARB, TCM has an average viewing share of just 0.1% in the UK.