Smiths fans have taken part in a sponsored bike ride to raise money for Salford Lads' Club.

The venue was immortalized by the photograph inside the cover of the band's LP The Queen is Dead.

Now it needs a new roof and devotees of the band were invited to help out through the ride on Sunday.

Brian Ball, who has been secretary of the club for 14 years, explained the history of the problem: "Our building is over 100 years old, it was built in 1903. So consequently we're due for a new roof, and have been getting some money together to replace the roof.

"We started the work, put the scaffolding up and the first week it was up, someone climbed up and pinched the led off the roof. As a result there was a lot of damage inside to the plaster work and it caused a lot of problems."

Ball said the record drew tourists to the club even when it was not in need.

"Because of this album people come from all over the world to have their photo taken outside," he explained. "People from as far away as Russia, Japan, South America. It's quite incredible really."