A DIRECTOR of Bury Football Club is leading by example — by championing a sponsored walk.

The Shakers are holding their own in the middle of League One and club bosses want to raise £20,000 to pay for new changing rooms at Gigg Lane.

Club director Mark Catlin has signed up to take part in a sponsored walk from Bury to Rochdale on January 28 ahead of the big derby match between the two towns.

Supporters’ group Forever Bury organises the annual event and chairman Dave Giffard said: “We’ve got an extremely loyal and enthusiastic group of fans and it is great that Mark is standing shoulder to shoulder with us. In years gone by, we have seen as many as 100 walkers take part, but recently the numbers have declined and we are going to be working hard to get as many supporters to take part in this season’s event.”

Walkers who raise more than £100 in sponsorship will get free entry to the game and will be entered in a raffle to win a signed Steven Schumacher shirt.

Mr Giffard added: “It would be great to see 400 or 500 walkers en route especially if each walker can raise at least £50 of sponsorship.”

Mr Catlin, aged 46, has been a director of the club for two years. He said: “We need as many supporters as possible to join us. If I can do it, then there should not be any excuses from anyone else, especially our younger supporters.”

Sponsorship forms can be obtained by calling Chris O’Sullivan on 0782 725 7382 or e-mailing him at fb_membership@btinternet.com