AN Atherton servicemen's club is mustering its wartime fighting spirit in a bid for survival.

The town's Discharged and Demobilised Sailors' and Soldiers' Association Club may be forced to sell spare land for housing to boost the coffers -- and is planning to apply for charity status.

Members also want to scotch rumours that the club has closed, and rid the public of the image that it is only for old 'fuddy duddies'.

Secretary Douglas Findlay revealed the plans this week, saying that the main objective was to carry on the force of those who formed the Tyldesley Road club in 1919.

He said: "At the annual meeting it was agreed that we would investigate every avenue for fund raising including the possible sale of some land.

"We are going to have to pull in our horns. This could unfortunately take the form of realising some of our assets. We're cash poor and asset rich.

"When the club was first set up it was run as a charity, when pensions and cash handouts were given to ex-servicemen and their families in need.

"We are planning to revert to type and become a registered charity.

"Because this is a very old building the fabric has deteriorated, and because former committees decreed that we must not make a profit there is no reserves for a building fund. Our image is that of old, decrepit fuddy duddies and nothing could be further from the truth.

"We have slimmers' club meetings and line dancing and promote functions which appeal to all ages. We are planning a boxing night in March.

"On New Year's Eve we had a fabulous night with record takings for the Aziz concert which pulled in a sell-out crowd of youngsters.

"What is not understood by the public and our own members is that it costs nearly £1,000 a week before the doors open.

"The heating system is antiquated and to heat the building costs a fortune.

"A small team of members have redecorated and the dance floor is soon to be extended for a second time.

"If our application to become a charity is successful this will help us tremendously.

"The land sale will give us funds and enable us to support ex-servicemen and their families."

He said they intended to use Sailors', Soldiers and Air Force Association trained personnel to assess applicants who need help.

He added that they wanted to become an engine for SSAFA to provide funds for the local branch which meets in their premises.

"If the bid is successful we will extend help to any person from Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley who has a connection with the services, whether they be a widow or granddaughter of someone who has served in the forces.

"It is very much an extended relationship. A few years ago we dealt with a case in which a mother and father died in a fire in the early hours.

"Their son was serving in the forces and by noon that day we had him home from Germany, " he said.

"We have plucked servicemen from ships at sea in emergency cases.

"At the opposite end of the scale we have bought a widow a carpet or a new cooker."