Morrissey helps save the iconic Salford Lads Club and donates £50,000

Morrissey has helped save the iconic Salford Lads and Girls Club by donating a £50,000 lifeline after the 121-year-old venue announced it would close unless it raised enough cash.

The Smiths band member rallied together with more than 1,000 others to raise the £250,000 target and keep the institution - which is pictured on the inner sleeve of the 1986 Smiths album The Queen Is Dead - afloat.

Founded in 1903 the community centre provides a wide range of activities for local young people from deprived communities and aims to give them a 'sense of belonging'.    

The club stumbled upon hard times in October following a surge in operating costs and a reduction in income from grants - leaving organisers clutching at straws.

When it was announced £250,000 would need to be raised by the end of November to save the centre many feared 'the light would go out'.

But thanks to an influx of donations to a desperate fundraiser from more than 1,400 people the beloved club will live to fight another day.

Club president  Anthony Groves - great great grandson of one of the founders, James Grimble Groves - said today: 'The club was built by industrialists to support families and disadvantaged youth, striving for survival in an increasingly industrial world.

'Today 121 years later, to the rallying call of the Manchester Evening News, many other industries and thousands of people from across the country have come to the rescue of that same club.

'The media industry, the music industry, the sports industry, the brewing industry, Utilities, Government, Local Council, some brilliant minds from the creative industry, members of the local community and of course the Club's volunteers and management team - to name but a few - have all played their part.' 

The institution offers sport and other activities six days a week to more than 200 young people in one of the most deprived areas of the country. 

Blaine Haney, a 19-year-old volunteer, said: 'I grew up without a dad so I don't know what I would do with myself if I didn't come to the club when I was a kid'. 

Gill, who works at the club, added: 'If the lights went out it would be devastating, it would leave a huge whole in the community even to people who don't realise it's here, they would feel it.

'The kids bring a unique thing to the place that you don't see anywhere else.'

In just six weeks the Manchester Evening News fundraiser has raised £273,000 with Salford council giving £100,000, gas company Cadent chipping in £30,000, and Morrissey donating £50,000. 

The fundraising target was surpassed today with Cadent's donation pushing it over the line.

In 1985, the club was used as the setting for an iconic image of Manchester band The Smiths. 

The picture, taken by Stephen Wright, has put the club on the global map and is a source of funding from fans of the group. 

There is now a dedicated 'Smiths Room' at the club while fans of the band continue to flock there to pay homage and take their own pictures.

The Smiths, whose 1980s singles included This Charming Man and Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now, are far from the only famous names associated with the place.

The 1960s group the Hollies - before they had hits with the likes of Bus Stop, Jennifer Eccles and He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - held early rehearsals at Salford Lads and Girls Club.

Last year the club's income was £160,000. It included donations; money from open days and visitors; hiring out the Grade II-listed building for weddings and to filmmakers; and its online shop.

 But projected outgoings for the year ahead were £394,700.

The club's annual utilities bill is £15,000, while building maintenance is £15,000 and insurance costs come in at £13,000.

A post on the Salford Lads and Girls Club Facebook account today reads: 'We are thrilled to share that, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our supporters, we’ve reached and surpassed our £250,000 target! 

'The club’s future is secure, and we can continue providing life-changing opportunities for young people.'

Many have shared their delight at the news in the comments section with one person saying: 'Fantastic news, this club is the heart of Salford.'

Another added: 'Heart warming news ! Here’s to the next 121 years.'

The money raised came as a suprise to club chairman Anthony Groves who is gearing up to run a 88KM Ultra Marathon to raise funds for the cause.

But, despite the target being surpassed, Mr Groves will not let his grueling training go to waste and still intends on tackling the punishing Winter on the Downs race.