BUTCHER Brian Stoker is urging residents in his home town to get behind a County Durham football team on its dream FA Cup trail.

Shildon Football Club have defied all odds to become the lowest placed team still left in the competition this year.

They face Notts County in a David versus Goliath battle on Sunday, November 8.

As a show of support, Mr Stoker has decked out his shop window with the team colours and a banner to wish them luck.

He said: "There is a really good feeling in the town. People are going past the shop and pipping their horns.

"Next week, the town will be bouncing as the match gets closer. Everybody is right behind the lads."

Mr Stoker, who is also a town councillor, was even planning to shut his shop to go down to support the team had it been played next Saturday.

Instead, the shop will remain open and he will make the journey to Nottingham on the Sunday.

He said: "The town council has sent them a letter to say congratulations and thanks for the great esteem it has brought to the town."

It was rumoured in the town that the match would be televised but it will not be screened in full as first believed.

Meanwhile, bus companies have been inundated with inquiries as fans book their seats for the big day.

Paul Cole, who follows the team home and away, said: "I would not miss this for the world."