The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

IT’S a sad fact that many Irish centres up and down Britain have faced a struggle to survive in recent years.

Increased competition, dwindling membership and the fragmentation of traditional Irish communities have all taken their toll.

So it is with delight we report this week on the success of the Bradford Irish Club.

This time 12 months ago the club then known as the Bradford Irish Democratic Land League was facing extinction with mounting debts, the resignations of key personnel and general apathy about its traditions.

But fast forward to today and the situation has been transformed.

Determined not to let their centre die the members refused to let go.

Instead they established a new non-profit company, changed the name to Bradford Irish Club Ltd and decided to promote traditional Irish family values in a modern context.

And the results are there for all to see.

Membership has soared from 250 to 600 with more people coming forward to join every week.

What’s more those clamouring to become part of this success story are not just confined to the Irish community with members of Bradford’s Asian population now regulars.

In short it’s a shining example of what can be done if the will and determination are there.