Carlisle United fans can stay safe and help the Blues – with official face masks now available emblazoned with the club’s logo.

In partnership with official club kit supplier ERREA, United have released two designs in adult sizes, priced at £7.50.

And there is an added bonus in that £1 from every mask sold will go to Jigsaw Children’s Hospice in Carlisle, to help them with their vital work.

Finance director Suzanne Kidd said: “As advice started to come from the Government about the use of face masks we spoke to ERREA to see if there was anything we could do to give our fans a way of showing their colours and support, at the same time as helping with the ‘Stay Safe’ message.

“The two designs they came up with are excellent and unique, and we think they will be very popular. Importantly they cover the face and mouth whilst also being comfortable to wear, which is exactly what the guidelines have suggested.

“And, of course, fans will be visibly seen to be supporting the club as they go about their daily business, as well as helping us to continue to help Jigsaw Hospice, who do such vital work for so many families and children in our local area.”

The club warned the masks are not medical grade but they are hoping that they will prove popular with fans.

Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “I’d like to thank ERREA for the quick work they have done in producing two bespoke, unique and eye-catching face mask designs.

“We do think they’ll be popular and it’s a great way for our supporters to get behind the club, which is something I know they are all very keen to do from the feedback we have been receiving.

“Helping Jigsaw Hospice is also very important to us, and that’s why we’ve chosen to give £1 from every purchase to that cause. Everyone in the area knows someone who has needed Eden Valley or Jigsaw, and we will continue to do what we can to maintain and strengthen that already strong link.”

The masks can be ordered from the club website: https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/ and you will need to keep an eye on the site for expected delivery dates.

n The Blues Store on Warwick Road is also set to reopen between 10am and 3pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays going forward.

Commercial manager Jenny Anderson said: “Our online Blues Store has been open for a few weeks now and the response to the sale we’ve been having has been fantastic. As restrictions continue to ease, and following the advice recently given by the Government to retailers across the country, the natural next step for us to take is to open the Blues Store to those fans who want to pop along and make their purchases. Supporters will see that we have measures in place to ensure that we comply with social distancing regulations and, of course, even more importantly that we cater for the safety of our staff and customers.”