Salford Lads Club to feature in Coronation Street tonight amid fight for survival

Salford Lads and Girls Club sits at one end of the real Coronation Street in Ordsall. But tonight (Monday November 18th) it will feature as millions watch the other "Corrie".

A short film which highlights the club's musical legacy and its grassroots work in giving young people confidence, a sense of being valued and a sense of belonging, will be shown during the commercial break of the country's longest running soap. The aim is to raise the profile of the 121 year-old institution which needs to raise £250,000 by the end of this month to avoid closure. It is hoped the clip will also trigger a surge in donations.

For the film, The Smiths song title "There's a Light That Never Goes Out" was beamed onto the front of the club's Grade II listed building, with the light above its famous entrance glowing.

The MEN has sponsored a gofundme page to campaign for the lads club and so far just under £228,000 has been raised. Major donations from Salford council, Morrissey, The Courteneers, and Graham Nash have boosted the appeal. The long term aim is to set up a £1m legacy fund from which the club can draw money via interest to avoid future cash crises.

The film features young people and volunteers explaining the vital role the club plays in the community. It gained global fame due it be used for an iconic picture of The Smiths in 1985.

Coronation Street was first screened on December 9th 1960 and created by a then 24-year-old Tony Warren who drew on his memories of growing up in Swinton to create a gritty show about working class northern life with Salford the inspiration.

As well as the film more than 140 billboards across Greater Manchester will feature posters calling for action to ‘not let the lights go out’ on the club,