The team behind The Grand nightclub in Clapham are calling for donations to help them stay afloat amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Lockdown restrictions imposed to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus have taken a financial toll on venues that rely on public attendance like bars and clubs, and The Grand is no exception.

Using the Crowdfunder platform, staff at popular venue launched a call for donations in the hopes of reaching their target of £40,000, with over £5,000 raised so far.

"We've been honoured to have generations of you partying with us since 1900, and we desperately want this to continue, but we need your help to save us!

"Having been closed since March, with no revenue and our landlord still charging us rent we are sliding into huge amounts of debt, placing the future of the venue and our staffs jobs at risk," a statement on the donations page reads.

"We are a truly magical place, we are a silly place, we are the place you go to laugh and dance your troubles away.

"You've made friends for life here, got engaged here, some of you have even got married here! We were built to entertain you, and our staff's passion is to do just that, and long may we be able to do so."

The fundraiser points out that monthly rent on the site near Clapham Junction station is £40,000 per month, while freelance performers and staff are also in need of funds.

"The Government has taken steps to look after some employees, but a lot of our freelance staff and performers have slipped through the net and are really struggling.

"From our cashiers and confetti firers, to our dancers and hosts these people are the fabric of our building and we rely upon their amazing talents to help run our venue and create our shows and want to be able to help provide for them in this period."

Messages of support from people who have already donated can also be read on the webpage, which promises special rewards for those who donate:

"My great grandmother went to the Grand when it first opened, and nearly 100 years later I performed on the same stage as part of Some Voices when I organised the Shine Cancer Support fundraiser," one donor wrote.

"Sending everyone at the grand a glitter-filled hug and huge lipstick kiss. You guys are wonderful!" Another said.

To donate, go to: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/savethegrand/comments#start