‘EVERYONE who was anyone’ once walked through the doors of Barrow’s iconic 99 Club.

The history of the club, focusing on the ‘magical’ 60s period, has been compiled into a 320-page book – the result of a decade long labour of love for Barrow author Alan Wilkinson.

The Dalkeith Street club, now known as The Lounge and Cloud 9, first opened for business in November 1961.

Alan has dived deep into the club’s history, collecting memories of local folk including club staff, patrons, and some of the ‘very best local entertainers’.

The book offers a fascinating insight into the world of the 99 Club and the endless list of chart-topping stars that visited the town, including Welsh sensation Tom Jones.

Alan has been left ‘astounded’ at the tales of the 99 Club and knew he was onto ‘something special’ from day one of writing the book.

“The history of the 99 Club has proved beyond doubt that it served as one of the top three cabaret clubs to have ever operated in the UK,” said Alan.

“I know of the book having brought tears of joy to quite a few people already, that means so much to me, I couldn’t ask for more.”

The book is Alan's third venture into researching local history having already written the stories of the old Victorian Beer Houses and the history behind the Barrow House of Lords Club.

Alan said: “The 99 Club has proved just as worthy, there is no other social venue in the history of Furness as successful as the 99, the club is so very special to so many people even today, 60 years on.

“The mass of joy and happiness will live on forever.”

The book has so far been enjoyed by more than 100 readers, who have provided ‘brilliant’ reviews.

Those who wish to purchase The Story of the 99 Club by Alan Wilkinson can do so from Heaths Booksellers on Dalton Road for £17.