A MUSIC club is facing a race against time after finding itself without a piano - just weeks before a concert to celebrate it's centenary.

Accrington Clef Club has been forced to put it's historic Steinway into retirement after numerous and costly repairs.

Instead the club hoped to use a piano in Accrington Town Hall for the concert but members have been told that too is past its prime and is set to be scrapped.

Nigel Green, marketing and events manager for Hyndburn Council, said: "It was in need of repairing but we looked at the number of times it is used each year and decided there was very minimal usage. We as a council just can't afford to spend thousands of pounds on a new piano.

"We have to look at what's best for the venue. We couldn't move the piano as it could have fallen on someone. It was becoming unstable so we had to take this decision.

"We are trying to help the Clef Club and we are in close contact with them. We are looking at alternatives such as hiring a new piano or keyboard."

The Clef Club, which was formed at the turn of last century bought its piano for £250 from a local industrialist in 1947.

The instrument has been in use for over 50 years and is currently kept at Accrington Library, where the clubstages its meetings.

Its members range from pianists to singers and violinists.

The piano has been repaired three times at different stages during its life; members now feel it is time for it to go. But with the 100th anniversary just weeks away, the club is now appealing to local businesses to step in to help it buy a new piano.

Club Secretary Mr Tuxford said: "The piano is beginning to show signs of its age and our celebration concert is under threat.

"We are trying to hire a grand piano for the time being but if we don't get it soon enough we will be in a right mess. The piano is crucial to the success of the club. We want to get through this centenary celebration and then try to get a sponsor to help us with a grant.

"We need a minimum of £5,000 and we can raise £5,000 ourselves from our 100 members. We would get a certain amount from the sale of our old piano. But it would cost an awful lot to replace the old lady with another Steinway. They cost around £48,000."

In 2000, the club was left reeling after it had a lottery bid turned down for a grant of £5,000 to put towards the purchase of another piano.

If you can assist the club contact Mr Tuxford on 0779 899648.