A unique fundraising initiative to fund a 3G stadium pitch raised £15,000 in just three days.

Last week Dorchester Town Community Football Club (DTCFC) launched its 'Pitch for the Community' initiative, open to anyone - individual or business - to donate £50 for a square on a hypothetical pitch.

In return the donators received their name, or nominated name in a section of a pitch which will appear on the club website, on the club social media, in the match day programme and on a board at the stadium.

Every £50 donated was matched by Dorchester Town Council and Dorset County Council, turning a £50 donation into £150 3G pitch funding.

Within three days all 100 squares had been taken up, raising £5,000 with the matched funds totalling this up to £15,000.

Club director, Nigel Hayes said: "The pitch is planned to be installed this summer, once in place football at the stadium will go from six hours per week 40 weeks per year, to 80 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, it will turn the stadium into a hub for football in the area.

"The speed of the uptake of squares shows the appetite for this project to go ahead, it is great to get such a backing from the community and we are thankful to everyone who donated.

"We are also very grateful to the county council and town council for their support by agreeing to match funds raised."

Stuart Riddle, a senior manager within children’s services at Dorset County Council added: ‘Our Innovation Fund was created to support groups that provide young people with places to go and things to do, or to help young people improve their community through social action – volunteering, campaigning, or having a voice in local decisions. We really like DTCFC’s crowdfunding idea and have agreed to donate £5,000 if they’re successful. It’s clear that they are passionate about providing sporting opportunities for young people and we wish them all the best with their fundraising."

Following the early success, the club are looking at releasing more squares.

For more details on Pitch for the Community email info@dorchestertownfc.org.uk, visit dorchestertownfc.co.uk/pitch-for-the-community or call the club on 01305 267623.