'Amazing!' - that's the reaction from Hitchin Town FC after their crowdfunding appeal raised an incredible £61k in only 44 days.

The Fishponds Road outfit desperately required money to stay alive after the Covid crisis put the squeeze on revenues, with fans banned from attending games until recently.

With much-needed improvement works also needed to ensure grand old Top Field met stadium criteria the Canaries appeared to be facing an uncertain future.

However, the club wheeled into action, launching an appeal for £25k in August. To everyone's surprise the total was met in a matter of days. Encouraged, the club doubled the target to ensure its long-term survival.

Again, loyal supporters, the town and the wider football community responded to the challenge and £50k was raised last month - with the final figure smashing the £60k mark on Sunday evening, the final day of the campaign.

The much-loved club tweeted: "You'll be pleased to know that we'll stop banging on about our crowdfunder now! It's over and the final total was an amazing £61,000.

"We're absolutely astounded with the support we've had during the campaign. Thanks so much to everyone who's contributed."

Hitchin Nub News have been big supporters of the crowdfunding appeal from day one and cover all aspects of the club on and off the pitch. Visit our website and Twitter and Facebook pages for extensive coverage of the Canaries.

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The reaction on social media from fans has also been positive. James @lardyda44 praised the club and its supporters, saying: "Hitchin have raised £61k in a town of 30,000 people. That just shows what the Canaries mean to this town. A real family football club. Thank you everybody!"