A social club which rose from the ashes of the Bradford riots is celebrating a five-fold increase in membership.

The Girlington and District Conservative Social Club had to be rebuilt after a petrol bomb destroyed the old building in Roundthorn Place on July 7, 2001.

The 115-year-old club celebrated the official launch of its new premises in Leaventhorpe Lane, off Thornton Road, on Saturday.

Club membership has increased from 70 to 465 in three years, with the new building opening its doors to members for the first time exactly a year ago.

David Parrott, secretary of the club and a member for 35 years, said: "We thought about closing down the club but the members kept it going and fought for its future."

The total cost of building the club was £533,000, paid for by an insurance payout and a brewery loan.

The new facilities include a private function room available for hire, a main bar area, a snooker room and a pool room.

Geoff Cullerton, club treasurer, said: "We have waited a long time for this moment and it has taken a lot of hard work.

"The new premises are fantastic and we look forward to members enjoying all the facilities."

Frank Dunphy, 70, is one of the club's oldest members. Pictures he took of the old club the morning after it was burnt down hang on the wall.

He said: "I have witnessed it all over the years. I am amazed that we have accomplished this because we have experienced a lot of problems. It is a credit to everyone involved."

The old club and its past members have not been forgotten. A plaque bearing the names of seven long-standing members, including a past president, has been hung in the entrance to commemorate the club's history.

"It is very unfortunate that these members, including my father, died before seeing the new club re-built. They would have been very proud," said Mr Parrott.

The Earl of Stockton, son of politician Harold Macmillan, who was Prime Minister from 1957 to 1963, travelled to Bradford to officially open the club.

He was joined by Bradford Council and Tory group leader Councillor Margaret Eaton.

She said: "I am delighted the club is back. It is a very active and lively club."