LANCASTER City are setting out to prove there's more to life than football - with a big push to get more people to use facilities at the Giant Axe.

New commercial manager Les Taylor is keen to generate more income so that both future team and ground building plans can be pushed forward.

And he says getting more people involved with events in and around City is his number one aim in the bid to build a bigger fan base.

City are close to agreeing a deal with Lancaster rugby league club which will see it playing its home games at the Giant Axe this summer and using the Dolly Blue Tavern for functions.

And the tavern itself is undergoing a relaunch to make it more attractive to customers.

A new chef has been taken on by the club and there will be extra opening hours - noon until 3pm with carvery lunches and a children's menu every weekday and noon until late night closing on Fridays, Saturday and Sundays.

Three special events are also planned at the tavern in the next few weeks to raise the profile of the club in the city.

A St Valentine's Dance on Saturday, February 14, will include a three course meal, cabaret and disco.

Monday, March 1, will see a Sportsman's Dinner hosted by Graham Liver from Radio Lancashire and featuring guest speaker Steve Kindon, the former Burnley and Wolves forward.

And the last of the three will be a 'March Madness' evening with a dinner and cabaret from the Mad Hatters comedy group on Saturday, March 20.

Les says: "As you can see, we are doing everything we can to introduce people to the football club and let them know what Lancaster City is about.

"This is what we must do to take the club forward and give the city the football it deserves."

Enquiries about any events at the Dolly Blue Tavern can be made through City's commercial office on 01524-841710 or by ringing the Dolly Blu direct on 01524-843500.