Greg Berrill, president of the working men's club, said: "We will help them as much as we can, and we've already had a couple of groups get in touch.

"We have a lot of clubs based here at the moment, but we want the club to be as busy as possible.

"Although Ford Sports and Social are our main competitors in the town, we see them more as colleagues."

The Daventry Express revealed exclusively two weeks ago that Ford was looking to sell the site of the sport and social club, and had given groups 12 months notice that they would lose use of the site and facilities.

Although the offer from the working men's club could be a lifeline to many groups currently based at Ford, it will not suit Daventry United FC, nor the Daventry 4x4 Club, which both use outdoor areas at the Ford club.

And although Daventry United will be ground sharing with Daventry Town, the 4x4 club is facing serious problems finding an alternative site to allow it to keep going.

Mr Berrill said: "I was very surprised to hear it will be closing. My sons have played football up there, and a lot of people have put a lot of work into that club and the football pitch down the years.
"It will be hard to see it close, but unfortunately it is a sign of the times."

What type of development would go on Ford site is not yet known, but Ford has indicated it will not be expanding onto the land, meaning it is likely to be sold off or rented out to the new occupier, most probably an industrial unit or warehouse.

The working men's club is holding a race night on Friday, February 26 with Daventry Hockey Club. Tickets are £5.