Hop(e) in fight to save Lads Club SALFORD LADS CLUB

Proceeds from new beer will go towards fundraising campaign

- NEAL KEELING

A GREATER Manchester brewery has launched a new beer to help in the bid to save Salford Lads Club from closure.

The IPA keg beer has been created by Salford-based company Seven Brothers Brewery.

Salford Lads Club is in financial crisis and needs to raise £250,000 by the end of November to avoid closure. The M.E.N. has launched a gofundme page to reach the target.

Proceeds from the new beer will go towards the campaign to save the club.

The design on the can and tap will be inspired by the club. University student Jess Eckersley, who is creating the artwork, is the granddaughter of Archie Swift MBE, who died last year aged 88, after being involved with the club for 76 years.

The brewery, based in Daniel Adamson Road, Salford, is run by seven actual brothers, Guy, Keith, Luke, Dan, Nathan, Kit and Greg McAvoy, who also have four sisters.

A year ago Jess designed the can for the brewery's Helles Lager and a new batch of that has been produced to help raise funds for the Lads Club. But she has now been asked to do the same for their latest creation which could become a major money spinner for the club.

Jess, 18, said: "The first design I did started off as a college project for my final year at Pendleton College. My dad, Chris, very much likes his craft beer, and I thought I would design some beer labels for him and he could keep them on the shelf.

"When I was in the club I showed Ray Mashiter (former Salford councillor) the designs and what I was getting up to as my artwork in high school centred around the club as well. He was really interested and set up a meeting with Seven Brothers who had already had a beer mat made with the club badge on.