A closure-threatened working men’s club has secured its short-term future after local entertainers responded to a plea for help.

Several acts contacted Slackside Working Men’s Club in Wibsey when they read about the club’s plight in the Telegraph & Argus earlier this month.

Club officials feared the institution, which has been a pillar of the community for more than a century, could shut at the end of August due to financial problems.

The smoking ban, the availability of cheap drink in supermarkets and an unresponsive membership have been blamed for the club’s woes.

Singer Neil Anthony is one of those who has stepped into the breach. He will be appearing on stage to perform his 60s and 70s musical repertoire on Thursday from 8pm.

Other confirmed acts for the night include Leo Kenny and Alison Jayne as well as Motown sounds from the group Soul Provider.

Mr Anthony said: “I read about the club in the T&A and was sad to see its demise. We want to help keep going what is a long-established institution. My parents used to go to Slackside and I’ve played there many times over the years so I don’t want to see it go to the wall.”

Mr Anthony has performed on the club scene for many years and said it was hard to see why interest in attending working men’s clubs had dwindled.

“They’re cheap to drink in, you get entertainment for free and there’s prizes to be won at competitions. They’ve just been neglected over the years so this is my way of putting a little bit back.”

The singer will also be compere for the evening.

He said: “There’ll be comedy and music, a good fun night. I hope it’s a sell-out.”

Peter McAndrew, club treasurer, said this week’s gig and work with the brewery behind the scenes meant the club had a rosier outlook.

“The committee is very hard at work now. We are taking various measures to make sure the club stays open,” he said. “Since the article in the T&A we have had offers of help from various groups and we will keep going at the present time.”

He said he was “cautiously optimistic” about the future. “It depends on getting things going and getting support, if we do then there’s a strong possibility the club will stay open.”

Tickets for Thursday night cost £3, call Mr Anthony on 07724 000261 or the club on (01274) 676315.

e-mail: ben.barnett@telegraphandargus.co.uk