CHIPPENHAM Town have launched a share option scheme in a bid to bring in more funds to aid the team on and off the pitch.

The club's board of directors announced the introduction of 100,000 new B-shares last week.

It will be known as the Bluebird share and is aimed at providing the team's supporters and local people and businesses with an opportunity to buy shares in the club.

The Bluebird shares, which are priced at £1 each, are now on sale and the club hopes to realistically make around £20,000 through the scheme.

In addition around 7,000 new A-shares have been made available and chairman Malcolm Lyus is encouraging individuals to join the club's board of directors.

"The new shares have been issued to help the club's structure," he said. "Any money raised will go towards ground improvements and getting the club into the new set-up.

"Regarding the A-shares we felt there were currently six directors on the board and we needed to spread the work load. We wanted to offer the opportunity for new people to come in and help the club."

Owners of A-grade shares will have a vote on club matters. B-grade shares do not entitle the holder to a vote but they would be entitled to dividends.

Buyers of the Bluebird shares will also receive benefits including discounts on season tickets and merchandise in the club shop.

Lyus said the club lost £22,500 last season and was expecting to suffer the same shortfall at the end of the current campaign. "We based our figures on attendances of 550, but have only been getting an average of 450. In saying that, last season was the first year we made a loss."

For more details and application forms for both share schemes contact club secretary Chris Blake on (01249) 658212.

The Bluebirds' club shop at Hardenhuish Park will be open on Saturday morning to give people a chance to get some last minute Christmas gifts.