AS Spennymoor United faces the latest in a succession of fights for survival, The Northern Echo looks at the history of one of the region's most famous and celebrated amateur clubs.

Spennymoor United was formed in 1901 as an amalgamation of Spennymoor Town and Weardale Ironopolis.

Since September 1904, its players have graced the turf of The Brewery Field ground, which it now leases from the town council.

In 1905, The Moors were admitted to the Northern League but resigned in 1908 and joined the North Eastern League, earning semi-professional status.

A League Cup competition was introduced by bosses at the North Eastern League in the 1926-27 season, and the Moors proudly lifted the trophy two years later.

Although the club never achieved the same national glory as their FA Amateur Cup winning neighbours, Bishop Auckland and Crook, the semi-professional club was the only one in the North-East to get as far as the semi-finals of the FA Trophy, which the team achieved in 1978.

In its rich history, the club has won the Durham Challenge Cup 16 times and the North-Eastern League four times.

It has also held the Northern League title six times.

Former chairman Barry Hindmarch, a member of the club's committee for 33 years and chairman for two decades, said the football club must be saved for the town.

He said: "I spent half of my life working for the club, so it means a lot to me, and to the area. It would be a tremendous loss to the town if it were to fold.

"I hope there is someone, or a consortium of people, able to take on the running of the club long-term.

"It celebrated its centenary at The Brewery Field last year and has had some really good times. I hope they can continue."