DARLINGTON FC has sold 175 five-year season tickets and vice-presidents' club packages meaning the club is more than half way towards its target of £225,000 to fund the return home.

Chief executive Martin Jesper said he was "hugely encouraged" by the response to the campaign launched just a week ago - but urged more fans to get involved as soon as possible.

About £144,000 has been raised through the sale of five-year season tickets, as well as donations, pledges and equity investments, meaning the club has received 64 per cent of its initial £225,00 target.

Mr Jesper said: "The response so far has been hugely encouraging, but we would urge fans to get involved in the DFC500 club now or miss out.

"The message we are getting back is that the offers are great value for money.

"We would also urge fans who have signed up to tell other supporters about the benefits to them and to the football club."

The club has another ten days to achieve the target with the deadline for fans to join the five-year season ticket deals ending on Sunday, March 22.

The Quakers have applied to the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) for a £150,000 grant towards the work, however this money must be matched by the club before the end of the month to ensure the application is successful.

The money would be used to pay for improvements such as new seating, a stand, turnstiles, toilets and fencing.

A minimum target of £225,000 has been set for a 1,900-capacity stadium with 225 seats which meets FA Category C requirements, but club bosses have stressed that £300,000 could allow the club to build a 3,000-capacity ground.

Fans joining the DFC500 Club and buying a five-year season ticket will pay the same price as five 2014/15 season tickets.

As part of the scheme, 90 five-year adult seated tickets will be issued at a cost of £1,175 each. 280 standing tickets will go on sale for £875 each.

Concession seating tickets will cost £750, while concession standing tickets will be £500.

DFC500 Club members will benefit from various perks, including a complimentary child's season ticket for one year and discounts on merchandise.

Other fundraising initiatives have been unveiled, including an equity scheme giving supporters the chance to buy shares in the club, a vice-presidents' club which offers enhanced benefits, and new packages for corporate partners.

Visit www.darlingtonfootballclub.co.uk for details.