A club that has been keeping the boys of Borehamwood off the streets since 1965 can continue its work thanks to support from the community.

Brookside Boys Club in Buckton Road was awarded £300 from Lloyds Bank’s Community Fund.

As part of the scheme, members of the public voted for a group that was important to them. The two causes with the most votes were awarded £3,000 and the other two on the shortlist received £300.

The club, which is open to children aged ten and above, is the only one of its kind in the area and attracts between 30 and 40 boys a night.

It provides a safe environment for children and young people to socialise, develop skills and take part in a range of sports while reducing anti-social behaviour in the wider community.

It offers snooker, pool, basket ball, darts and other games on the outside astro turf, and is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7pm.

Club leader Richard Clark, 83, said the money would be vital in ensuring Brookside’s future.

He said: “This club keeps the boys of Borehamwood off the street and gives them something to do.

“We’ve had three generations of people coming to the club, grandfathers, fathers and grandsons, including some well known people like Boreham Wood FC’s Danny Hunter.

“If we weren’t here, where would the boys go?”

Mr Clark, who has been involved with the club for 46 years, said it had been struggling financially since the recession when it stopped receiving grants and was forced to raise money to keep itself afloat.

He added: “Brookside Boys Club is delighted to have been part of the Lloyds Bank Community Fund scheme. 

“The £300 award will go towards the club keeping its doors open and support the local children, young people and wider community. 

“We would like to thank all of our supporters for the time they took to vote for us.”