Whitehaven have received a tidy cash boost from one of their biggest fans.

Shaun Drinkwater has handed a cheque for more than £4,000 to club chairman Tommy Todd.

Paying tribute to his fundraising skills, Todd said: “He does a remarkable job because he has raised the money himself from running the 300 club.

“It’s a great effort and, of course, is much appreciated as it is so valuable to the club.

“Shaun is a long-time supporter of the club who has been doing his bit on fundraising for a number of years. He is also the organiser of match day travel for our supporters and it is encouraging that he has two coaches going to Newcastle on Sunday.

“That’s the most we’ve had going for an ordinary league game for a while and is certainly something that is appreciated by the players.”

Whitehaven’s rise to the top of League One has contributed to the increase in travelling fans, and it has also been responsible for the improvement in home attendances at the Recreation Ground.

Just under 1,000 watched Sunday’s home win over Coventry Bears which saw Haven reach the half-way point of the season with a three point lead at the top.

“We just fell short again of the magic figure.

“We regard a thousand as where we want to be as a starting point, because it does make life that bit easier.

“Crowds have improved this season and obviously our rise to the top of the table has been an important ingredient.

“Hopefully, we can stay on top and get over the thousand mark in attendances for the remaining four home League One games.

Certainly the west Cumbrian derby with neighbours Workington Town will be guaranteed a four figure attendance, and promotion rival Oldham still have to visit the Recreation Ground.