Members of a social club that was burned to the ground at the height of the Bradford riots were celebrating last night as they officially moved into their new premises after a five-year wait.

Manningham Ward Labour Club was destroyed when it was petrol-bombed with terrified people trapped inside in July, 2001.

After years of hard work to get planning permission, insurance settlements and sell the former site at the junction of Whetley Hill and Whetley Lane, the committee has opened its new premises in Bull Royd Lane, Fairweather Green.

Terry Maloney, 77, who has been club secretary for 22 years, said: "It is a big achievement.

"There was a time when we thought we might not have a club but somehow we have managed.

"All the members have been waiting to come and I am looking forward to having a drink with my friends at the club on a weekend."

Mr Maloney's wife Dorothy, 67, of Bruno Close, off Scotchman Road, Heaton, said: "It is wonderful but it has been a very hard time.

"Five years ago my husband had a stroke when the club burned down but we have struggled on.

"The club is a credit to the committee members for the years that they were kept waiting and prices escalated, but they fought through."

She added: "We have shaken ourselves off and picked ourselves up like the phoenix rising from the flames."

The club, which has about 640 members aged 18 to 80, was the country's first Labour social club, according to Mrs Maloney. The new building cost £797,000 and boasts a concert room, lounge, games room and three bars.

Mrs Maloney said: "We have a lot of elderly members. Some of their husbands or wives have died and they come to the club to sit, have people sit with them and talk to them.

"When the club was burned down they did not come out of their homes because they were so scared. A lot of people have since died and will be very sorely missed.

"We are so proud that we have built it for our families and future families. Instead of wandering the streets they will have somewhere to go."

Pat Hare, 55, of Atherstone Road, Allerton, whose husband Graham is club president, said: "We have got a club again after five years and are looking forward to making a go of it.

Mr Hare said: " It has been worth the wait. All the members have stuck with us through this and we are hoping that things will be exactly the same as they were with everybody welcome including children."

e-mail: saima.mir@bradford.newsquest.co.uk