BOLTON Rugby Union Football Club is calling on the community to pull together to help them through the coronavirus crisis.

Like many sporting organisations, the club has been hit hard by the loss of income generated by players' subs and being forced to cancel its functions such as birthday parties and Christenings.

And now the club, based at Mortfield Pavilion on Avenue Street, is hoping to carry out work on its pitches and complete other maintenance work as it awaits the go-ahead from the Rugby Football Union to start playing again.

Chairman Mark Brocklehurst said: "We recognise that we are desperate to raise some money to get us through this time.

"And we want to create a wow factor for the kids when they return so we want to get the pitches looking great and do some maintenance.

"We do not want this situation to be the reason why rugby won't be played in Bolton.

"We are in a fairly deprived area and lots of people use our facilities."

The club has teams from the under 8s right up to the first team and Mark says they have been working hard to keep young players interested in rugby so they do not get "out of the habit" of playing.

A crowdfunding page has been set up by Mark Turner, who has been involved with the club for more than 40 years.

Mr Brocklehurst, who has praised those who have donated, added: "It is a club run by volunteers to give back to the community."

The club, which was established more than 100 years ago, is ensuring that there will be measures in place to ensure that it is safe for players and visitors to return when the time comes.

To donate to the crowdfunding page visit crowdfunder.co.uk/bolton-rufc.