BURY FC's supporters trust, Forever Bury, narrowly missed out on a prestigious national award at the Supporters Direct Annual Conference held in London last Thursday.

It was one of five shortlisted for the Trust of the Year, which eventually went to Cambridge Fans United, which has flourished despite there being no club-threatening crisis at the Abbey Stadium.

Judges highlighted Forever Bury's development of new fund raising intitiatives, the installation of the excellent visitors'centre, and the unique identity the trust has in the life of Bury Football Club.

Three Forever Bury directors attended the event and the first speaker - via a video link - was Chancellor Gordon Brown, who said he was looking to give supporters' trusts charitable status which, through tax advantages, would significantly increase the value of funds raised.

Other speakers included Sir Brian Mawhinney, chairman of the Football League, Mick McGuire, deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers Association, and former Bury Grammar School pupil David Conn, now a journalist with The Independent, whose address included more than a passing reference to the Shakers.

His new book "The Beautiful Game" includes a full chapter on the recent financial difficulties at Gigg Lane entitled - The Cemetery End.

Supporters Direct is a government initiative, funded by public money, with offices in London and Glasgow.

Its aim is to help fans who wish to play a responsible part in the life of the football club they support and it offers support, advice and information to groups of fans.

There are now 120 supporters' trusts operating in the UK and the number has more than doubled since Forever Bury were formed in 2002.