FOOTBALL fans hoping to breach the walls of Barrow AFCs Holker Street have been asked to keep their swords at home.

Barrow AFC have initiated their Official Sword Policy banning Hartlepool United FC fans from bringing swords made out of wood, metal and hard plastic to Monday's game.

Dubbed the The Battle of Fortress Holker Street, Hartlepool fans are planning to travel to Cumbria dressed as medieval knights as part of their well-known annual tradition.

Over the years these dedicated fans have dressed up as Smurfs, Oompa Loompas, Penguins and Where’s Wallys.

As a result Barrow AFC has announced its sword policy in preparation for the game.

The regulations, though ‘light-hearted’, are as follows:

n No real swords are allowed in the stadium

n Inflatable/soft swords will be permitted entry into the ground and onto the terraces / seated areas

n Any swords made out of wood/ metal/ hard plastic will be “checked in” at the turnstiles and returned to supporters at the end of the game

Ryan Sutherland, press officer for Barrow AFC, said: "We think it’s fantastic that so many Hartlepool supporters are coming and in fancy dress too. Everything is set for a fantastic day. When we found out about the fancy dress theme it wasn’t long until someone pointed out that they might all be bringing swords.

“It was important to come up with a policy that enabled Pools' fans to bring one onto the terraces if they liked, but we had to be aware that there was a potential safety issue with any hard plastic or wooden swords.

“Hopefully we have reached a happy medium and everyone can enjoy the day, including plenty of Barrow supporters who will come along to celebrate what has been a successful season overall.”

John Pearson, fan liaison officer at Hartlepool United FC, said: “It is great that they are embracing the knight theme - they have even customised the programs for the game which is brilliant.

“It is all light-hearted and when we previously went as Where’s Wallys we had walking sticks which we handed in before the game.

“This is a massive game for us selling the first 650 tickets in 24 hours. We have now sold 1125 tickets and can’t wait for the game.”

The game will take place on Easter Monday with kick-off at 3pm.