The Cambridge Evening News has launched a campaign to save local Football League club Cambridge United.

The team are currently rock bottom of Division Two and need at least £600,000 by the start of next season if the club is to survive.

Cambridge Fans United are leading the fundraising efforts, and the paper is lending its support, printing 2,000 posters for a recent home match against Macclesfield.

Supporters held up the 'United to Save our Club' posters as the teams ran onto the pitch, and a collection at the ground raised over £7,500.

The paper has also appealed directly to businesses in Cambridge to get involved, and to individuals to buy shares in the club and sign them over to CFU.

It has enlisted the support of local schools, the city's Mayor, the county council and the fire service in publicising the club's plight, and comedian Rory McGrath and former reserve team player Radio 5 presenter Mark Saggers have also become involved.

Earlier this week the paper revealed Cambridge United would avoid going into administration at the end of the month but the future is still bleak.

Evening News editor Murray Morse said: "The football club is vital to the region.

"We want to make sure Cambridge United is saved for future generations of fans. No matter what division they play in we want the club to play a major role in getting kids to take up sport and join up with community projects.

"The campaign has got off to a great start and we have printed another 2,000 posters because they were snapped up straight away.

"There are no more loyal fans the hardcore of 3,000 who follow the U's through thick and thin.

"The U's won for the first time in 94 days on Tuesday so the Great Escape is now on."