A football club will have a new look as it installs plush facilities for the first time.

Banbury United, who compete in the National League North, have launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the cost of installing new ground infrastructure.

A new dismountable grandstand is being erected this week to fulfil a minimum 500-seat capacity requirement of the National League North.

Work to construct the stand began on Monday, March 20 at the Sutton End, directly across the pitch from the clubhouse.

READ MORE: New pool and BMX track coming to Bicester and Banbury

The stand, which can be moved with the club to a new ground in future, adds 226 seats to the current provision of 280 seats via the John Nicholls stand.

It will be for the use of home fans next season, as part of expected changes to the layout of spectating areas.

The club has announced measures to raise funds to help cover the cost of £66,000 and informed supporters how they can get involved and give their support.

While the club has access to funds to cover the payment terms, some on a short-term loan basis, the full amount needs to be recovered this Spring.

Chairman of Banbury United Football Club, Ronnie Johnson said: “The promotion to the National League North has brought the most positive and historic uplift for the club.

“Behind-the-scenes, it has been a massive step up, bringing unnumerable challenges, which, one by one, our amazing team of volunteers has dealt with throughout the season so far.

“Funding this grandstand is another huge challenge for us, and we see it as a significant opportunity for the club.

"It makes Banbury United fit for the future and cements our position as being serious about playing in this league: we simply cannot take part in play-offs without 500 seats.

“We are very aware that money is tight for the majority of people at the moment and this ask is yet another demand on finances.

"We are a community-owned club and we are therefore inviting our community to support the club and its future with this one-off investment campaign.

"We would like our supporters and local businesses to consider making a donation, of whatever amount they feel they can afford, via our online Crowdfunder page."

A named seat initiative, open initially to members-only, will raise £100 per seat.

A plaque containing donors’ names or dedications will remain in place for the life of the stand.

The stand will have a named sponsor to be announced in due course.

The club is holding a sponsors’ fundraising evening on March 23.

Supporters can access the Crowdfunder page here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/project-bufc-grandstand