AN influential group of Lydney Rugby Club supporters plan to give their team a financial boost with the launch of a Supporters Trust.

Hampered by a lack of financial clout Lydney has, for years, been the best supported but lowest funded club in National League 2.

While almost all of their opponents have major sponsors, Lydney has had to rely on much smaller donations from local businesses and supporters. Now they hope the newly formed Supporters Trust will give the club a fresh impetus – and supply the playing purse with a much-needed boost.

Members of the Trust hope local businesses and supporters, or groups of supporters, will make contributions either with one-off or by regular payments.

Trust vice- chairman Joe Betty explained: "Lydney is fortunate to have a strong rugby tradition and an enviable level of support. Everyone recognises that we lack the funding available to other clubs and especially those based in more wealthy areas in and artound London.

"But there are people who want to help us. They can't give huge sums but they are willing to make small contributions on a regular basis. Our motto is 'Pennies make Pounds' and we have formed the Supporters Trust very much with that in mind."

The Trust document has been drawn up by solicitors and funds are to be used only to support on-field activities.

The five trustees are Peter Watkins (chairman), Joe Betty (vice chairman), Gordon Sargent (secretary), Bob Wilks (treasurer) and Steve Foster (assistant treasurer).

The Trust will be launched at this Saturday's home game against Henley.