This light should never go out

SALFORD LADS CLUB IS IN FINANCIAL CRISIS - HELP US RAISE £250K TO ENSURE THIS VITAL INSTITUTION IS THERE FOR MORE YOUNGSTERS

- NEAL KEELING

IT'S provided a lifeline for young people from deprived communities for 120 years.

But now Salford Lads Club is the one in desperate need of our help.

Its survival depends on it The Greater Manchester institution must find a quarter of a million pounds by the end of November. If it doesn't, it will close It would bring an end to a proud history of helping foster young talent from across the region.

Salford Lads Club opened in 1903 with the mission to 'Brighten Young Lives and Make Good Citizens. It was officially opened in January the following year.

But rising costs and a reduction in grant income means the world famous club, which does vital grassroots work with children, will run out of money in eight weeks. Now, the Manchester Evening News is calling on people in the region to donate to keep it open.

A fundraiser has been set up to raise the urgent £250,000 needed to save it. Together, we can ensure the club's future.

HOW DID IT COME TO THIS? A COMMUNITY ASSET ON ITS KNEES

Salford Lads Club, based on Coronation Street in Ordsall, has served as a cultural mecca for our region for decades, honing talent from the world of art and sport.

The 1960s pop group The Hollies used to practice in the club before they were famous. Young footballers who trained there went on to play for Manchester United and City as well as other top flight clubs.

Artist Harold Riley, who died last year, was a member, as was radio DJ and member of the band Salford Jets, Mike Sweeney.

In 1985 the club was used as the setting for an iconic image of Manchester band The Smiths. The image has brought the club global recognition and a source of funding from fans of the group. To this day they make a pilgrimage to the venue.