A fundraiser described as a "battle fund" has been launched, as efforts to raise £2.2 million and save Hitchin's Club 85 begin.

Back in September last year, landlords Jas and Ranjit Lidder submitted a planning application to turn the Whinbush Road site into 16 homes ahead of their planned retirement, but the proposal was withdrawn earlier this year.

Despite this, it still appeared that beloved music venue would close down, with a farewell show scheduled to take place on December 30 and manager Bob Mardon saying that the venue was "working to establish our options towards finding a positive resolution and even a new location locally".

Just last week, Bob confirmed he and his team have the opportunity to purchase Club 85 after talks with Jas, but around £2.2 million needed to be raised to do so.

Now, a "battle fund" has been launched to kickstart that process, with the venue's GoFundMe target set at £30,000.

"We have set the target to £30,000 as this is how much we need quickly to get the ball rolling," the fundraiser reads.

"Of course we'd love to smash straight through it, so when we hit the target we will leave it open and of course every single penny donated will go towards purchasing the venue and securing it for future generations.

"23 years ago, Bob Mardon took on the handshake agreement with Jas Lidder that gave us control of the function room. Since then we have built it into a successful grassroots music venue, with a constant programme of live gigs large and small, local and international.

"We have put on more than 3,000 shows and at least 10,000 band performances, which means we’ve provided 40,000-plus opportunities for musicians to play on this lovely stage.

"Club 85 is immensely important to the local community as a safe welcoming space where performers cut their teeth and audiences see and hear it first.

"So many magical moments have occurred in this glorious barn so far, it’s a very special place."

To donate to the Club 85 GoFundMe, visit www.gofundme.com/f/club-85s-battle-fund.