LOYAL Burnley fans are hoping to attract over 1,000 fellow supporters to join the newly-established 'Clarets Trust'.

The official organisation, primarily aimed at raising funds for the cash-strapped Clarets, gets a fanfare launch following the home game with Crewe Alexandra on Saturday, September 11.

And chief executive Dave Edmundson is actively encouraging as many supporters as possible to back the venture.

He said: "We often talk about the glorious past of Burnley Football Club, but we have a glorious present and this is all about a glorious future.

"In many ways, the Trust is an insurance for the football club because directors change and players change, but this is one consistency and one constitution that will remain.

"That can insure us against all the problems and circumstances that prevail at other football clubs."

Trust member Dave Roberts added: "The aim is to get supporters more involved in their club, as well as purchase shares in the club from income generated by, and on behalf of the Trust.

"A good base would be to get 10 per cent of the supporter base involved, so if we were to get 1,000 to 1,200 fans involved, that would be a success. That is the level we are looking for."

The Clarets Trust, the 118th Supporters Trust now in existence, acts as a democratic, non-profit making organisation committed to strengthening the voice of supporters in the decision making processes of the club.

A series of events have been planned to celebrate the launch, which begins immediately following the Crewe game with a quiz in the Foundation Bar on Harry Potts Way at 5pm.

A five-a-side competition, pitting supporters against a team of ex-Clarets, then takes place at 6.30pm before the formal launch in the James Hargreaves Suite at 7pm.

A social evening, with tickets priced at £3, rounds off the evening, when as part of the entertainment the honour of vice-president will be bestowed on five former players who have made a memorable contribution to the Clarets cause.

Roberts added: "This date is an important milestone for all Burnley fans and we would like as many supporters to come along as possibility and welcome its advent."

Membership details can already be found online at www.claretstrust.co.uk and there will be an opportunity to join on the night at £10 (adults) and £5 (children). Corporate membership at £100 is also welcomed.