The Ashbrooke Foundation gave the cash to Sunderland's oldest sports club in a bid to revitalise the building and attract new business.

Ashbrooke Sports Club's chairman Rob Deverson said: "We've battled hard this year to turn around the financial fortunes of our famous old club and this money will help immensely."

The club announced it was facing closure earlier this year after a trail of successive financial losses.

Staff were made redundant, finances were given an overhaul and a new management board set about saving the club from ruin.

It fought back with a host of gigs and fund-raising events, including a festival headlined by The Futureheads.

Last week, the management announced it was "out of the woods" and the books had balanced in the club's favour.

On Sunday, The Ashbrooke Foundation pleged £35,000, in a final act of kindness to the club before it wound up.

The foundation has come to an end, due to age and infirmity, after being set up by a businessman in 1979 to act as a "financial security blanket" for the club.

During the last three decades it has given more than £100,000 to support numerous activities at Ashbrooke.

Foundation chairman Chris Storey said: "It has been 30 years to this very day since the Foundation was established to support the club and we are delighted to have been able to do this. As we make this final gift it is the end of an era for many of us, but we are confident that the current board and management team at Ashbrooke are on the right track to restore the fortunes of this famous landmark in our city.

"We have been impressed by their energy and dedication and wish them every success in their future endeavours to restore the club's fortunes."

The club's board and the foundation met at Ashbrook for a celebratory lunch to toast the venue's future.

The money has already been earmarked for a refurbishment to attract more business and give the building disabled access.

Mr Deverson said: "As well as opening up the club's entrance, we plan to create a dedicated dining and function area for up to 50 guests.

"At the same time we will refurbish the main bar and lounge areas to bring the whole clubhouse up to a standard that will please members but also attract new interest as well."