A YOUTH club that has been lifting up the children some of Bolton's most deprived communities for more than a century. Now the club is asking people to share their memories of evenings spent on its basketball courts and football pitches.

Bolton Lads and Girls Club is celebrating 130 years working with young people across Bolton, providing everything from exercise spaces to emotional support for those struggling with their home lives.

To mark the anniversary, the club is creating a 'mosaic of memories' from contributions by those whose lives have been changed by the activities they found there.

The call for contributions was launched in September and the mosaic is already beginning to come together.

One former club members shared how far the club has come in its 130 years, saying: "I was a member of the club between 1963 and 1966, 56 years ago. The club was at Bark Street and the depth of amenities were nothing like the ones available now. Girls couldn’t be members, it was the Bolton Lads Club.

"Things that are the same? Giving every member the chance to build on a firm foundation and being a great place for the future citizens of our great town."

Some local businesses have also pledged to fundraise for the club, with companies including Liberty Steel, Amore Coffee Shop and Little Bolton Town Hall aiming to raise hundreds for the mosaic installation.

But club organisers are campaigning for more entries to make up their mosaic.

If you want to take part, send photos and memories to fundraising.team@blgc.co.uk. Everyone who sends a contribution will be invited to a special event in July 2020.