FOREVER Bury, the Shakers supporters' trust, was officially launched on Thursday evening at Bury FC Social Club writes PHIL THORP.

The event was attended by around 200 supporters who listened to a variety of speakers.

Joint chairmen Fred Mason and John Smith spelled out the situation the club finds itself in after coming out of administration while Coun Siobhan Costello brought support from Bury Metropolitan Council who are to be the club's shirt sponsors for the forthcoming season.

Dave Boyle of Supporters Direct congratulated the organisation on being the 59th supporters trust to be formed in the country while there was a message of support from Save Our Shakers Appeal chairman Neville Neville who was unable to attend the launch.

Speaking for the Trust was Ian Harrop and the meeting was chaired by Forever Bury's Brian Richardson who oversaw a question and answer session.

The Trust's first big fundraising event is scheduled for Sunday, August 25 and takes the form of a Duck Race at Burrs Country Park.

At a cost of £2 individuals can buy one of 3,000 plastic ducks which will be raced on the River Irwell with the first past the finish line winning £500 for it's owner.

There will be five runners-up prizes of VIP days out for two to Gigg Lane for a home match.

A fun day with children's activities is also being held at the nearby Brown Cow pub on the day.

HWINNER of the Buy A Seat Appeal draw for an MG car made on the night was Mrs Olive Holcroft of Bury.