Carlisle United's fans are offering a helping hand to get Brunton Park ready in time for the start of the season.

With the Blues due to kick-off their 2017/18 League Two campaign at home to Swindon in a little over two weeks' time, volunteers yesterday turned up at United's ground.

As part of the volunteer week, work is due to continue from 10-4pm today as well as next Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Simon Clarkson, chairman of Carlisle United Supporters' Groups (CUSG), helped to co-ordinate the event and explained the work that had begun yesterday.

He said: "We were slightly concerned about the possibility of showers. So, we started working on the East Stand.

"Some of the work might not sound particularly sexy but they are important tasks.

"Even from the work in the first hour or so that we did, we saw a remarkable difference.

"There is lots of other jobs to pick up on throughout the week. But I'm confident we will be able to match tasks to volunteers."

And Clarkson also appealed to youngsters to get involved, too, with school summer holidays due to begin soon.

He said: "Although we don't want to be overawed with kids, any competent teenagers - with parents' permission - are more than welcome.

"This is all a real, big community effort."

To offer your support, email cusg@cusclb.com or contact Carlisle United Supporters' Groups on Twitter by searching for Carlisle United SG.

But Clarkson added: "If it is a last-minute decision to come along, just turn up with some old gear at the ground and we will take it from there."

United, meanwhile, had not commented further regarding the winding-up petition made against the club this week beyond Tuesday's statement as The Cumberland News went to press.