A £5,000 appeal has been set up to help refurbish a 100-year-old social club on Southend’s cliffs and carry out repairs to its “leaky roof”.

The Naval and Military Club, in Royal Terrace, was first formed in 1920 by veterans in Southend in the aftermath of the First World War.

It is one of Southend’s oldest social clubs and continues to welcome and support serving and ex-service personnel across the city, as well as welcoming the wider community.

However, bosses say the site is now urgently in need of repair with sections of the roof leaking, and windows damaged.

They have launched an urgent fundraiser in a bid to raise £5,000 to carry out repairs while preserving the historic nature of the building.

Tony Cox, councillor, and leader of Southend Council said: “I hope funds can be raised for them to continue the work they are doing in Southend.

“They are important, and history is important as well. Once it has gone, it has gone as they say.

“So, I hope enough can be done to keep the Naval and Military Club in Southend for the next period of time.”

A GoFundMe was launched last week and organisers are pleading for the community to donate.

Organisers have admitted the works will more expensive than replacing windows on a typical building because it is a locally listed building within a conservation area.

The fundraiser adds: “We are striving to keep this wonderful club running, but like anything that is over 100 years old, parts are being worn away by age.

“As a Regency building dating back to the 1790’s the Naval and Military Club is a locally listed building, situated within a conservation area alongside statutory listed buildings as well as other locally listed buildings.

“As such, we are required to preserve as much authenticity to the building as possible.

“We now urgently need to replace sections of the roof where it leaks, as well as some of the authentic windows.

“With the need to preserve as much authenticity as possible, repairs are going to be much more expensive.

“We are therefore seeking support from anyone who is able to help us.

“We appreciate that these are difficult times, but all donations, large or small will be gratefully received.”

To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-us-to-save-our-heritage