Kind-hearted grandparents who run a boys’ club fear it could be forced to close unless they raise the money they need to keep it open.

Vera and Dick Clark have been helping out at the Brookside Boys’ Club for forty years, but need to raise at least £7,000 within the next year to keep the group alive.

The Buxton Way, Borehamwood club was first opened by businessman Henry Redman in 1965 and is the last social club for boys aged ten and over in the area.

Grandfather-of-eight Mr Clark, who took on the role as club leader four years ago, said he would be ‘heartbroken’ if it had to close.

The 82-year-old added: “It keeps me young and I love it here. I could not imagine not being here, it would be such a shame. This place is my life.

“It is an important community asset, but it always falls on us to raise the money ourselves.

“It is not always easy and I worry about finances every day. Every penny counts and it is horrible. I just want enough for us to live comfortably here.

“This place closing would leave a black hole in the area. I dread to think where the children would go - probably out causing mischief on the streets.

“It helps them burn off energy in a safe and controlled environment. I have always said it would be unfair to Henry's legacy if we had to let go of this club.”

Mr Clark, a retired ceiling tiler, took on the role as club leader four years ago when Mr Redman died - and says he has "never looked back”.

The club is open every day from 7pm and boys’ can play table tennis, darts, fooseball , as well as football on the astroturf pitches outside.

Last year, the fire doors broke and the couple were left panicking about how they would afford to fix them - but this week, building firm Apollo stepped in to fix the doors for free.

The £7,000 they need to raise each year will pay for heating bills, insurance costs and the monthly phone bill.

His wife, 78-year-old Vera Clark, who is also on the club’s committee, said: “If the club had to close, we would lose everything and so would those boys.

“It is our second home and it is a priority of mine keeping that place open. Men who came here themselves now send their children and grandchildren here.

“It will be hard work raising the money, but it is worth it when I see the smiles on the boys' faces.”

Could you help the club raise the money it needs? E-mail aslater@london.newsquest.co.uk.