A BASKETBALL club which has been threatened with closure has moved nearer to securing its future.

Bolton Bulls Wheelchair Basketball team faces a race against time to raise a minimum of £5,000 to cover training, playing and referee costs for the next season.

The club, which has been in existence for 30 years, is struggling to keep going in the current economic climate.

Members held a quiz night at G Casino in Ormrod Street to boost their funds and more than 70 people turned up to support the cause.

They raised £300, which has taken the total needed to about £1,000.

Steve Aston, chairman of the club, said: “We have always struggled. We make half of what we need from subscriptions, donations and grants.

“It has got very tight this year. If we don’t do something now, we might not finish the season.

“I am absolutely hopeful we will raise the money.”

Matches take place in locations from Glasgow down to the Midlands and players have resorted to forking out travel costs themselves to help the club.

If the money is not raised by the start of the season in late August the players, who live throughout the North West, will have to join other teams. The club plays matches at Smithills Sports Centre. It costs about £5,000 a year to run the club.

G Casino has been backing the team by allowing them to hold events at the venue.

The next fundraiser will be a pamper party at the casino on Tuesday, May 8, and a quiz will take place on Thursday, May 10.

To donate, visit just giving.com/bolton-bulls