A MASS effort is underway to revive a longstanding youth club after it was saved from closure.

Radcliffe Girls and Boys Club, based in Withins Avenue, was left in a poor state of repair and a leaking roof following a decline in volunteers and trustees.

But the club, which has provided activities for young people for more than 50 years, has been revived thanks to a generous cash injection of more than £20,000.

The club first opened its doors in the mid-1960s to provide positive activities and new opportunities for children and young people in Radcliffe.

In its hey day, it operated four nights per week, as well as organising trips and residentials.

But a gradual decline in staffing came to its head in December 2016, when long-serving treasurer Cedric Morris sadly died, leaving just the chairman Colin Jones as trustee and club leader Marj Earnshaw.

In a desperate plea for help in February this year, the club appealed for the support of Lancashire Association of Boys & Girls Clubs (LABGC).

LABGC county director Adrian French said: "The club was overlooked for several years.

"There were health and safety concerns, electrical problems and the roof was leaking.

"We have been helping them get back on their feet.

"We ran a campaign to get people on board, and called for businesses to invest in the project, and share the appeal.

"Lots of people offered their support and one business has really helped financially."

Representatives from Co-op, Radcliffe Rotary Club and other members of the community have all been working together to repair the building.

A new roof has been refitted and several rooms have been repainted as part of efforts to bring the building back up to scratch.

An electrical survey has been completed and more than two skip-fulls of rubbish have been cleared out.

Resident Paul Manning, aged 44, said: "I used to go to the club in the late 80s.

"It was a great place to hang out. I hope this is a new lease of life for it, to get kids sociable and out of the house."

Resident Helen Cole said: "My older son used to attend the club regularly and now my seven-year-old son Ryan goes every Tuesday.

"Ryan has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) so can find some clubs too overwhelming but the staff here are really fun.

She added: "It was definitely due for renovation. It is a valuable resource to the area and has probably supported thousands of families.

"I can't wait to see how it's been renovated as so much more could be done with the space. I'd love to see it used every night."

Cllr Rhyse Cathcart, who represents Radcliffe East on Bury Council, said: "The club had reached a poor state of repair.

"It was going to close so we stepped in and we are on with a mission to resurrect it.

"There is no local authority provision anymore so we need something for young people to be able to engage in."

A temporary committee has been formed, made up of chairman Mr Jones, Cllr Cathcart and treasurer Craig Cartledge.

The club has appealed for volunteers to join the management committee, board of trustees, help with fundraising, or assist with the general running of the club.

The club has had to cancel its youth groups over the New Year due to renovation works but a Christmas Holiday Club will be running for children on December 21 and 22, and December 27 to 29.

The club is due to reopen its doors on Tuesday, January 9.

Contact Adrian on adrian@labgc.org.uk or call 01524 65106 to show support, get involved or volunteer.