Since 1999, Liverpool Lighthouse in Anfield has helped inspire thousands of disaffected young people and provide skills training for adults but is now facing a bleak future.

Liverpool FC legend Jamie Carragher is backing a campaign to help raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for a North Liverpool charity threatened with closure.

Since 1999, Liverpool Lighthouse in Anfield has helped inspire thousands of disaffected young people and provide skills training for adults.

Now its services are at risk because of a badly damaged roof, covered in low-grade asbestos, which urgently needs replacing at a cost of £300,000.

The former Liverpool defender recently visited the Lighthouse and has also agreed to be an ambassador for the campaign.

He said: “Seeing how everyone was working together to improve people’s lives and employment chances was really inspiring.

“The work Liverpool Lighthouse does is so important and really makes a huge difference to our community.

“The charity’s great work moved me to help raise the money to fix the roof and I’ve given them a signed picture to auction in the next few months.

Chris Kane, community fundraiser at Liverpool Lighthouse, added: “It’s great to have Jamie’s support and we’re delighted he came to visit to see for himself some of the things we do for the thousands of people who come through our doors every year looking for help.

“Having to replace the roof has hit us really hard and means use of our 430 seater auditorium and recording studios is restricted.”

Recent initiatives include Family Connect to help disadvantaged families and the Lighthouse Studio Project which is giving young people and bands an opportunity to make music and learn about the industry.

More information about how you can support the campaign can be found by visiting www.roofwork.net