Wealdstone FC supporters officially launched their first fundraising effort for the club's new stadium on Monday.

The Bring Home the Stones Campaign aims to raise the £50,000 needed to build a terrace behind one of the goals at the ground to be built at Prince Edward Playing Fields in Canons Park.

Project director Kip Hewitt said: "Although the total cost of the stadium will run into millions, raising the £50,000 will be the focal point of the campaign for ordinary supporters, and a new terrace will be a fitting way of marking the success of that campaign."

Harrow East MP Tony McNulty said the figure was "absolute peanuts" and would be easily achieved. The club hopes to reach the target by July through events such as a 24-hour football match, a go-karting competition and a parachute jump.

Plans for the £4 million stadium, approved in principle by Harrow Council in October, include a 3,000-capacity ground, 13 football pitches, an artificial pitch and cricket and tennis facilities for community use.

It will bring to an end the nomadic existence of Wealdstone FC, which has had to share other clubs' grounds since selling Lower Mead in central Harrow in 1991.

The 44-acre Prince Edward fields have been derelict since 1996, when their owner, Camden Council, said it could no longer afford to keep them open.

o Donations may be given to campaign members at matches or sent to: The Treasurer, Bring Home the Stones Campaign, 17 Brancaster Road, Ilford, Essex, IG2 7ER. Cheques should be made out to "Bring Home the Stones Campaign".

Anyone with ideas for fundraising events should call Kip on 01604 602177.

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