MORE than 60 people enjoyed a day at the races to help a Bolton charity raise money towards the £6,000 a day it needs to stay open.

The supporters of Bolton Lads & Girls Club (BLGC), Spa Road, indulged in fine dining and had a flutter at Haydock Racecourse.

Held in association with BetFred, it raised more than £4,000 for the club which provides young people with a safe place to spend their free time and is the biggest youth centre in the UK.

Donna Fisk, BLGC fundraising manager, said: “In the current economic climate, our corporate fundraising events are vital in helping to achieve the £6,000 daily cost of keeping our doors open for the club’s core offer — a seven night a week youth club.

“Since its founding, the club has worked closely with local businesses for the benefit of the young people of Bolton and, thanks to the support of the businesses who sponsored and attended the races, the club raised over £4,000.”

The trip was held earlier this month, on a bright and sunny day, which saw the club’s guests make their way to one of the North West’s most popular racecourses.

A number of the races were sponsored by club supporters so guests were given the chance to go down to the parade ring to see the horses before their race and later present the award to the winning horse and jockey.

Set up in 1889, BLGC now offers a variety of programmes to nearly 3,000 young people every week, ranging from recreational opportunities, performing arts and sporting activities.

It welcomes young people, aged eight to 21, up to 25-years-old for children and young adults with disabilities.