A FOOTBALL-CRAZY couple are so devoted to their team they have given up their summer holiday to set up a supporters' club.

Blue is the colour for Allan and Ann Barkus, of Dilks Street, Tindale Crossing, near Bishop Auckland, whose passion in life is the town's football club.

The past six weeks have been spent making rosettes in the light and dark blue colours of Bishop Auckland AFC, along with preparations for a supporters' night and trophy presentation tonight at the Belvedere Club.

Mr Barkus, 51, has followed the Bishops all his life. He said: "It is everything. I am a big football fan. I was there in the days when the team was winning and attracting the crowds.

"Now we only get an average of 200 through the gate despite the fact we did well last season.''

The last supporters' club dwindled out of existence and the couple hopes that the new one will bring the crowds back to the club.

Mr Barkus said: "We want to bring the club to the community and the community back to the club, and put the Bishops back where they belong.''

The couple have been joined in their quest by John Cowey, who designed a club website last year.

Tonight's event will see players presented with trophies by Darlington Football Club chairman George Reynolds.

Anyone wanting to visit the website can log on to www.bishopafc.com