THOUSANDS of pounds was donated to Barrow AFC at their first home game of the season.

Ant Kearney was delighted to hand over a Furness Building Society cheque for £7,911 to The Bluebirds before their victory over Hartlepool.

This fantastic donation is generated by Barrow AFC supporters saving in a special community savings account.

From their own profits, Furness donate 0.5 per cent of the average balances held in all of the savings accounts which means the more the supporters save, the more Furness donate.

Sarah Wane, marketing communications manager at the building society, said: “For over 150 years we have helped local people to buy their own home and have provided a safe and secure home for their savings.

“But we’re more than just a financial services provider, the work we do and the help we provide to our local community is extremely close to our hearts. Since the Barrow AFC savings scheme started in 2003, Furness have donated more than £188,000 to the football club.”

Jamie Stoddart, commercial manager at Barrow AFC said: “This donation will go help the club continue with our programme of improvements around the ground.”