The Mancunian Way: A light that never goes out

Salford Lads Club opened in 1903 with the mission to 'Brighten Young Lives and Make Good Citizens'. And for more than 120 years it’s done exactly that.

But now the Ordsall institution is the one in desperate need of our help. It must find a quarter of a million pounds by the end of November. If it doesn't, it will close.

Rising costs and a reduction in grant income means the club, made famous by THAT picture of The Smiths, will run out of money in eight weeks. It’s a desperate state of affairs.

Neal Keeling first walked into Salford Lads Club as a young district reporter in 1988 and found what he describes as a ‘refuge from despair, violence and crime’ of what was, and still is, one of the most deprived communities in the country.

And in the decades since he’s followed the fortunes of the club through thick and thin. Here Neal explains why it’s such a special place:

When I first arrived in Salford the landscape in districts like Orsdsall and Pendleton was one of burnt-out wrecks of cars, boarded up low-rise blocks ripe for demolition, high crime rates, and not much hope. But one institution kept going - Salford Lads Club.

It was there in bleak times and when regeneration arrived on a colossal scale in the city. Yes, it is a very impressive Grade II building, and a mecca for Smiths fans, but the foundation of the place and its purpose is to help young people.

It does this with sports, and outdoor activities - but also instils in its members a sense of community - a sense of belonging and identity. Many developers are reaping the rewards of choosing the other side of the Irwell from Manchester.

Their cash could also help save the club and its work of giving kids a helping hand so they don't go down the wrong