SHAKERS fans turned out in force to make a stand over the future of Bury FC.

Hundreds of supporters descended on Gigg Lane this afternoon to protest against the existing state of the club.

Queues of people responded to last week's rallying cry to join Forever Bury — the Bury FC supporters trust — and help save the club, which was promoted to League One last season.

Bury fans were signing up their family members including children and grandchildren who are the next generation of supporters.

Membership has almost doubled and currently stands at about 1,500, with more adding to their numbers daily.

It follows a gathering at Victoria Community and Youth Centre in Whitefield on Tuesday night when fans were urged to unite in a bid to consolidate a body of thousands to help save the club.

The supporters trust received a huge wave of support and generosity from the football community, which included one individual handing them a cheque for £1,000 today.

Dave Giffard, chairman of Forever Bury, said: "We are growing. The response has been phenomenal.

"Tuesday night was packed but it was nothing on the numbers that turned out today.

"It shows people are concerned and we do not want to lose our club.

"I'm committed to doing everything possible to save it."

He added: "Monday is a very important day. The League management committee will be meeting and Bury FC is top of the agenda. I'm hoping they will give us a deadline to get the club sold and sorted.

"We have probably got little over a week to save this club."

Mr Giffard presented two possibilities to those gathered at the club's home ground: to put in an offer to purchase the club, or for Bury FC to go into administration.

In recent months, Bury FC has fought off repeated winding-up petitions at the High Court, over unpaid debts.

The latest case has been adjourned until June 19 after it was revealed that there are three parties interested in buying the club.

"The club means everything to me and my family", fan Chris Lee said.

"You have just got to keep your fingers crossed that someone is there and waiting to take it over.

"People are rallying together to make a stand."

Club chairman Steve Dale, who only took over in December, put Bury FC up for sale in the face of mounting financial problems.

On Monday, a protest was staged outside his home, with about 50 fans showing their support for players and calling for him to sell up.

Fan Laura Fenton, aged 24 from Blackburn, said: "I have been coming to the club since I was born. I can't imagine it going under.

"What is happening is really wrong.

"I think it is important for everyone to come together and make a stand. We have an amazing community."

Mr Giffard is due to meet with Bury Council leader, Rishi Shori, on Monday, to call for the council's backing.

He said it would cost roughly £2,000 per day to keep the club running and called for anyone who might be able to help to contact him.

He said: "We need someone behind us. We are trying to contact potential purchasers. Alternatively we could seek a loan.

"The main thing is that we stand united. We are completely determined to save this club."

Anyone able to help should contact Mr Giffard on 07790 239 063 or email davegiffard@talktalk.net.