BURY FC have done a dramatic U-turn on changing their club crest.

Officials have now decided not to discard the traditional Borough of Bury crest for the post-1974 Bury Metropolitan Council version.

The idea to change to the new badge was suggested by council leaders after the local authority agreed to be £50,000 shirt sponsors for the forthcoming season.

But the decision was met with anger and bemusement by a large proportion of the Shakers faithful who couldn't see the point in throwing out a familiar badge that had served the club well for more than 100 years.

Add to that the cost of replacing carpets and many other items of club paraphernalia that has the original crest on and it was decided not to go ahead with the change.

Meanwhile the Shakers' Supporters Trust, Forever Bury, finally hope to get their official launch underway on Thursday, July 4 at the Bury FC Social Club, Gigg Lane.

The launch, originally scheduled for Sunday, May 27 at the Castle Leisure Centre, had to be postponed after a major electricity failure blacked out the whole town centre.

The format for the evening will be the same as planned for the original meeting with guests and officials from the club, local authority and various other interested bodies in attendance.

Already confirmed are Shakers joint chairmen John Smith and Fred Mason, manager Andy Preece along with club captain Martyn Forrest and PFA boss and former Bury favourite Gordon Taylor.

Doors open at 7.30pm for 8pm and all supporters are urged to attend and sign up for the Trust.

Forever Bury have this week launched their official website which will be packed with information for Shakers fans and can be found at www.foreverbury.co.uk

Tickets will next week be available for the pre-season friendly clash against Premiership new-boys Manchester City at Gigg Lane due to be played on Wednesday, July 31, kick-off 7.45pm.

They will go on sale at both the commercial and family ticket offices at the ground from noon, Monday, June 24 and are priced at adults £10, concessions £5.

Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by ringing 0161-764 4881, 0161-705 2144 or 0161-764 9945; via the club's official website www.buryfc.co.uk

All credit card transactions will incur a £1 surcharge while £5 will also be added for postage.

THE Shakers Third Division clash against Hartlepool United at the Victoria Ground scheduled for Saturday, March 8 has been brought forward 24-hours to Friday, March 7, kick-off 7.45pm.