THE Linnets Independent Supporters' Trust is on the LIST.

The Trust, formed by fans of Runcorn FC Halton, has officially joined the growing movement of supporters' trusts across the country and members of the umbrella organisation, Supporters' Direct.

The Registrar of Friendly Societies sent confirmation that LIST's constitution had been accepted.

The trust is now registered as an Industrial and Provident Society (IPS).

Martin Fallon, acting Press officer of LIST, said: 'We decided to register as an IPS so that supporters know that the Trust is run for their benefit.

'By being an IPS, we can guarantee that the trust is always going to be community orientated and that it will always be a notfor-profit organisation.'

Supporters Direct itself is a democratic Industrial and Provident Society funded by public money, and Runcorn are the 110th member trust.

With a combined membership of more than 65,000 people, supporters' trusts have now put more than £4m into the game and own or control eight clubs in England and Scotland.

'Now we are officially registered, we can start looking properly at achieving our aims,' said Fallon.

'One of our main aims is to look at ways of getting the football club back to Runcorn, and although this is a long-term aim, we have already met with Runcorn MPs Mike Hall and Derek Twigg to let them know our thoughts.

'The other aim we can concentrate on immediately, though, is to rebuild links between the football club, its supporters and the local community.

'We have already met the Sports Development Team at Halton Borough Council to see what we can do to benefit the community, and we plan on meeting the football club over the next few weeks to discuss how we can work together both during the summer months and next season.

'We are also appealing directly to anybody who thinks they can help us achieve our aims to get involved.

'From April 21, until further notice, we will be holding weekly meetings at the Union Tavern public house every Wednesday at 8pm.

'Everybody is welcome, whether they are past or current supporters of the club, or simply someone from the local community who wants to see things happen.'