Carlisle United are inviting fans to collect the cut-out likenesses that were on display in Brunton Park during the Covid-19 lockout.

Many supporters paid £25 to have an image of themselves or a loved one installed in the Pioneer Stand during the 2020/21 season.

It was a way of showing support at a time the pandemic meant most games were played behind closed doors.

A host of supporter images have been seen in the ground, as well as those of pets, former Blues legends and music and film characters - such as Chewbacca from Star Wars.

News and Star: Chewbacca was among the cut-out images in Brunton Park last seasonChewbacca was among the cut-out images in Brunton Park last season

But with the club now preparing to welcome back supporters in the new campaign, the correx cut-outs can now be collected from the club.

United say they are available to be picked up from the Blues Store during normal shop hours.

The collection deadline is by the Blues Store closing time after the final whistle at the home friendly against FC Halifax Town on Friday, July 30.

Any uncollected cut-outs, the club add, will be retained by the Blues and will be used to create a public display of a "wall of fans" at the ground.

United say they will also offer the opportunity for fans to have their cut-outs signed by players.

Supporters interested are advised to keep the cut-outs in a safe place to bring to an event during the 2021/22 season when players will be able to meet fans in person.

The cut-out initiative was part of the Carlisle Re-united initiative by fans' trust CUOSC aimed at raising much-needd funds during the pandemic.

CUOSC's Nigel Davidson said: “Face in the Crowd has been an excellent project, designed to support the club at a time when we really didn’t have any idea how long we would be faced with pandemic restrictions."

The fundraising scheme has contributed to sports science equipment and the improvement of some fan facilities at the ground.

“Knowing that supporters have contributed directly to such things as the Nordbord [a hamstring testing system] and the improvement of supporter facilities at Brunton Park is great," Davidson added.

United chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “The support of the fans through the pandemic has been fantastic. The fund was purely for the purpose of supporting the club through the crisis and not to be used for any other purpose, and that has helped do that.

“The monies raised have funded new sports science equipment aimed at injury prevention and will also contribute towards improving facilities for the fans.

“In both cases the need to conserve cash and minimise all but essential and emergency spending during the pandemic meant these projects would not have taken place without fan funding. We are grateful for the support of everyone who took part.

“The ‘wall of fans’ will be a reminder to everyone of that support.”