ATTENDANCE figures at Bolton Lads' and Girls' Club have more than doubled since the organisation moved into its new £4.2 million headquarters.

The number of children visiting the club each day has increased from around 100 to 220 in just three months.

And bosses are so overwhelmed by the demand, they are struggling to cope -- and urgently need more volunteers.

The success of the new glass-panelled sport and youth centre on Spa Road is being put down to the club's increased range of services.

It boasts an astro turf pitch, a sports hall and even an Internet cafe, each proving popular among the club's 1,500 members.

Opened by the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward and Sophie, in July, it is a far cry from the leaking converted Victorian factory on Bank Street that had been the club's home for 113 years.

The new building is on the site of the former Navada Roller Skating Rink site near Queen's Park and it was built with the aid of a £4 million Lotto grant -- the highest awarded to a voluntary group by Sport England.

Centre spokesman David Kemp said: "Discovering we have doubled the number of visitors is just fantastic news.

"We're getting more and more new faces in the club all the time and facilities like the performing arts studio and health and fitness gym are extremely popular.

"But to keep up with this phenomenal response we need urgently to recruit more volunteers."

The group needs people to serve behind the tuck shop and coffee bar for one night a week.

Prospective volunteers should call 540120 or visit the new club.