THE great and good of Bolton were out in full force to celebrate the extraordinary impact of Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

The club in Spa Road welcomed more than 250 patrons to its annual celebration evening — with this year’s theme "character building".

It was also a night of announcements, as club president of 15 years Ross Warburton told the crowd he is stepping down from the role.

Mr Warburton announced he will hand over the gauntlet to Baroness Trish Morris of Bolton, who has been involved with the lads and girls club for more than 20 years.

Mr Warburton talked of his pride at being involved with the club for so long and said he had been amazed by how it continues to progress year on year.

Baroness Morris, the first chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: “I first became involved with Bolton Lads and Girls Club more than 20 years ago, and during that time I have watched it flourish and grow into an outstanding organisation.

“The presentations and performances from the young people during the celebration evening were moving and inspiring and a tribute to the wonderful staff, volunteers and supporters of the club — Bolton can be proud.

“I am honoured to become president and to take over from Ross Warburton, who has been a brilliant champion of the club. I have big shoes to fill.”

During the evening, members of the club wowed the crowd with hip-hop dancing, break dancing and beat boxing performances.

Young people took to the stage to share their experiences of how the Lads and Girls Club and the mentoring it provides has changed their lives for the better.

One teenager, 15-year-old Emily, said: “The club has made me feel comfortable with who I am and the life I have. They do not let me stand alone, they stand with me.”

Other teenagers, who participate in the government-backed NCS scheme through the club, talked about the impact of social action.

In her speech, chief executive Karen Edwards said: “Being part of the club is a way of life for many of the young people who attend.

“The club plays a crucial role in defining who they become as adults.

“Character building is embedded in everything the club does, helping to shape young people’s behaviours, traits, attributes, values, principles and attitudes, all of which help equip them to thrive in the modern world.”

Over the next year, Bolton Lads and Girls Club bosses aim to increase membership to 10,000 people, open a dedicated facility at Westhoughton Youth Club and develop the Hacken Lane site into a state-of-the-art multi-sports facility.