THE future of one of County Durham's best known amateur football clubs hangs in the balance while supporters mount a campaign to pay for new floodlights.

Evenwood Town could be kicked out of the Northern League at the end of August unless it can raise £4,000 towards an overall £40,000 cost.

Relegation would be catastrophic for the 113-year-old club because it would mean it did not qualify for the grants and funding needed to carry out development plans.

Evenwood manager Ken Houlahan said that Northern League inspectors passed the rest of the ground last week but found that the floodlights did not meet health and safety standards.

He said: "This is a potentially devastating blow for the club. We must have floodlights in order to play in the Northern League.

"Apart from dropping out of the league, we would lose the chance of the funding we need to build a future as a community club and that would be a real shame, not only for the football club but for Evenwood and the surrounding villages."

Former Middlesbrough defender Steve Vickers is an Evenwood supporter and promising young player Tony McMahon, 18, recently signed a two-year professional contract with the Teessiders.

Mr Houlahan said: "Clubs like Evenwood were a traditional breeding ground for top sides. The club has a full senior team and holds regular training sessions for juniors.

"Plans are in place to improve the pitches and facilities and to enable to club to grow.

"We are determined to raise £4,000 by August, which is ten per cent of the total cost of the new floodlights, and the Football Association will contribute the rest."

The club has planned fundraising activities such as raffles and sponsored events and would welcome support from businesses and individuals.

Anyone who can help should contact Mr Houlahan on (01388) 776633