PLEDGES and donations have taken a football club's fundraising drive past the half way point.

Evenwood Town could be dropped from the Northern League at the end of the month unless it can raise £4,000 towards the £40,000 cost of new floodlights.

League officials condemned the club's lights last month because they did not meet health and safety standards.

Relegation to a lower league would be catastrophic for the 113-year-old club, because it could rule out applying for grants to launch an ambitious development project.

Team manager Ken Houlahan said the appeal had raised more than £2,000.

He said "People have been brilliant. They have really rallied around to help us.

"Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go before we reach our target of raising the necessary £4,000 by the end of August.

"If we can't raise the money for the lights we will be kicked out of the Northern League, which would be devastating for our club."

The club has drawn up a scheme for ground improvements including new changing rooms and a grandstand, and outlined a community sports development programme.

Mr Houlahan said: "The future of the club rests on us being able to reach our £4,000 fundraising target and to do this we really need the help and support of the community."

Collection boxes are in pubs and shops and the club has organised two fundraising events at Evenwood Sports and Social Club.

On Friday, supporters have volunteered to undergo sponsored body waxing.

A charity entertainment night will also be held on Friday, August 22. For information and tickets contact Alison Houlahan on (01388) 776633.