A MYSTERY benefactor has emerged as a potential saviour of the Shakers by offering to settle the club's outstanding £1.3 million mortgage.

Thursday's (March 14) dramatic development came on the eve of the crucial High Court hearing at which Bury FC was given the go-ahead to complete the season.

Club joint chairman Fred Mason confirmed that the payment offer on the mortgage served on the Gigg Lane stadium had been made by an un-named local businessman.

And it is expected that the offer, which is to be put to the mortgage company for consideration, will form part of an overall rescue package. Legal action to recover the £1.3 million had been frozen following the appointment of the administrators a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile, today's court hearing granted the struggling club "extra time" to enable it to fully meet its £350,000 shortfall and fulfil its remaining fixtures.

During the Shakers' two-week battle to avoid possible liquidation, fans nationally and internationally have rallied round in their thousands in an unprecedented show of support.

By far Bury's biggest moneyspinner has been the "buy-a-seat" campaign which has raised around £160,000.

And at Old Trafford on Wednesday night (March 13), Manchester United fans donated a staggering £14,000 to the appeal.

Administrators RSM Robson Rhodes will return to the Manchester court armed with cash flow forecasts and other key financial documents.

Joint administrator Matthew Dunham told the Bury Times yesterday: "Basically, we have to make sure sufficient cash will be coming in through to the end of the season to pay all the club costs."

Paying tribute to those who backed the SOS campaign, he declared: "There has been fantastic support from fans all over the country.

"But we need this support to continue during Bury's remaining three home games.

"I'm extremely confident we can get a court order for an extension."

Meanwhile Neville Neville, former Bury FC commercial manager and architect of the "buy-a-seat" appeal, described the fund raising campaign as "absolutely staggering".

He added: "We are trying very hard to put a package together that involves the Supporters Trust and businessmen so we can get the club out of administration as soon as possible because that will become a burden on the club if we don't."

The seat appeal has raised well in excess of its £120,000 target and the hope now is that it could reach £200,000.

But he stressed: "It is vitally important that people continue to send in their donations. We can't thank them enough for their overwhelming support."