A fundraiser is helping to finance a new project at the Blackpool FC section of the Fylde Memorial Arboretum.

Seasiders supporters groups and fans are working with Blackpool FC Community Trust (BFCCT) to finance a new project at the Blackpool section of the Fylde Memorial Arboretum.

A unique area that pays tribute to the Blackpool footballers who served during the two World Wars, the section is maintained by dedicated volunteers from BFCCT.

However, despite their efforts, the area has become difficult to maintain because of persistent waterlogging as plants fail to thrive and the overall impact of the tribute is diminished.

A fundraising target of £700 had been set to finance stage one of the project at Moor Park Avenue, Bispham, but, at the time of writing, that now stands at £1,526.

That will help with work including the ongoing upkeep of the memorial.

A club statement said: “By honouring our historic players in this way, the club and the community will ensure that these brave men are not forgotten, not just in footballing circles but in the broader fabric of civic memory.

“They were players, yes, but they were also soldiers, many of whom left the pitch for the trenches and never returned.

“This is a great opportunity for all the supporter groups and Blackpool fans as a whole to come together to support this fantastic initiative.”

Anyone seeking further information, or who would like to help out with the project can contact BFCCT’s community engagement office, Ian McCleary on 07756 854034.

He added: “A massive thank you to all the Blackpool FC supporters who kindly donated and to Blackpool Supporters Trust for coordinating the fundraising.

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“The backboard will feature the players’ name plaques, shirt numbers, and a pair of football boots.

“We are also working on incorporating an image of each player.

“This is a slow process, but the reason for this is that we want to make sure we create a well-structured and meaningful memorial that can remain in place for many years to come.”

Donations can be made by visiting the JustGiving page.