A JUNIOR football club has made a desperate appeal for help to rebuild its clubhouse after it was destroyed by a fire.

The main building at A.F.C. Dobbies Sports Junior Football Club in Radcliffe had to be bulldozed because it was deemed unsafe.

The clubhouse at the Stand Memorial Ground was used as changing rooms, for its kitchen facilities, and as storage. An estimated £5,000 worth of equipment, including football nets and lawnmowers, was lost in the blaze.

While the club's insurance will cover up to £4,750 of the damage, Dobbies must now foot the bill for an entire new base at their site in Ringley Road. A fundraising page has been established to raise £10,000 as they try to recover.

Derek Case, AFC Dobbies Football Club treasurer, said: "Our clubhouse was in such a bad state that it was declared too dangerous and had to be demolished two days after the fire.

"It is devastating — both a junior football club and veterans teams are run out of that building. We are a community-based club and this has knocked us for six. Where do you go from here?

"We are determined to carry on but we need to look at fundraising so that we can rebuild.

"If there are any businesses who would be willing to donate materials, time, labour, or know-how on building, that would be hugely appreciated.

"All our goalposts, nets and lots of other equipment all went up in the fire so we are having to start from scratch."

The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Greater Manchester Police previously said that the blaze was not believed to have been started deliberately.

A committee meeting was held to discuss a way forward for the club.

The club thanked Unsworth Junior FC who have loaned them goal posts and nets so they can continue to stage games. They also thanked Tottington United FC who are organising a charity football match in aid of Dobbies.

Fundraising events are also due to be staged at Dobbies Sports and Social Club in Bradley Fold, including a race night on February 22 and sportsman's dinner on March 22.

Mr Case said: "We are so grateful that there are still good people out there who are prepared to help. It is nice to know we are not on our own.

"It is daunting when something like this happens. You wonder where you go from here but the community is committed to getting it rebuilt and we are extremely grateful for all the offers of help we have had so far.

"Any further help that people can give would be incredibly welcome."

To support the club, donate at www.gofundme.com/fundraiser-for-afc-dobbies-changing-rooms.