A LOCAL politician, pub, and local businesses have rallied behind the News & Star's Back the Blues campaign.

After their thrilling last-gasp victory against Swindon Town last weekend, Paul Simpson's side are well positioned in automatic promotion places, with 11 games of the 2022/23 season to go.

Our Back the Blues campaign has one goal which is to encourage everyone to get behind their local team and help give them that vital final push as they look to achieve their first promotion in 17 years.

As the Blues navigate this crucial period of the season, local figures and businesses explained why they are backing the blues.

Carlisle's Member of Parliament, John Stevenson was eager to put on record his support for Simmo's promotion-chasing Blues.

News and Star: John Stevenson MP has backed Carlisle's promotion pushJohn Stevenson MP has backed Carlisle's promotion push (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "I am delighted to back Carlisle United, I hope they can get the necessary results to get them over the line and to League One."

Mr. Stevenson also stressed the importance of Carlisle United to the city.

He said: "People do not always appreciate how important football clubs are to the local community and Carlisle is a very good example of that, they are not just a football club, they are central to the community, and they participate in lots of other things as well and they are in many respects the ambassadors for our city."

Christine Wheatley, manager of the Beehive Pub, which sits adjacent to Brunton Park on Warwick Road also threw her backing behind the club.

News and Star: This flag that is proudly displayed inside the Beehive pub took Carlisle United global when it was taken to Qatar for the World Cup last yearThis flag that is proudly displayed inside the Beehive pub took Carlisle United global when it was taken to Qatar for the World Cup last year (Image: Newsquest)

She said: "I have been here 24 years and it has been a rollercoaster but the whole community is totally behind them, the pub is buzzing on a matchday, it is just so nice to see smiles on faces and it is amazing for the city."

Local businesses also backed the Blues' promotion push.

Carlisle's back-of-shirt sponsor Story Homes said: "Best of luck to Carlisle United in their bid for League Two promotion, from everyone at Story Homes.

"We’re all behind you and rooting for you to succeed!"