FANS are being urged to attend a public meeting tonight to discuss the launch of a Supporters Trust for Gillingham.

It starts at 7.30pm at Brompton Westbrook Primary School, Kings Bastion, Gillingham, and promises to be a landmark evening for the Nationwide Division 1 club.

With guidance from the Government-backed Supporters Direct organisation six long-standing Gills supporters have set the ball rolling with this initiative.

Nigel Holland, trust co-ordinator said: "The main aims of the trust will to be strengthen the bonds and dialogue between the club and supporters, and to represent the supporters interests in the running of the club, to work for the financial and footballing success of Gillingham Football Club, to promote Gillingham and the game of football in the community, and seek to unify all supporters for the benefit of the club."

There will speakers from other trusts during the evening who will be able to answer questions and share expertise.

Mr Holland said: "We have had tremendous support from other trusts. We are lucky to have John Hemmington from the Owls Trust coming to speak to us. He is a great speaker and quite a character, being part of the infamous brass band that follows England and Sheffield Wednesday.

"Two members of the Wimbledon Trust and two from Leyton Orient will also be joining us. Orient's is recognised as having the best community scheme, doing a great job keeping inner-city children off the streets."

* For more information Mr Holland can be contacted on 01732 840235 (office), 01732 886094 (home) or nigel.holland@sodra.com.