An ice hockey club is fighting for survival amid growing financial pressures and has launched a campaign to raise thousands of pounds to keep it afloat.

The Invicta Dynamos, based at Planet Ice in Gillingham, has told fans it needs a cash injection to keep the team running.

The club is hoping to raise £5,000 after its promotion to the second tier of ice hocket in the country left it facing its "most challenging" campaign so far.

The online fundraising campaign will enable supporters to buy into packages that will see them get rewarded in return.

The cheapest package is £10 and includes the chance have a group picture taken on the ice with the team.

Other offers include presenting the man of the match beers, receiving a personalised team shirt, a full day match ticket and the chance to play golf at London Golf Club near West Kingsdown with some of the team mates.

It is hoped that any extra funds raised will allow the head coach Kevin Parrish to strengthen the current roster and move the club forward.

He has been urging fans to get behind him and the team as they battle their way out of the hardest weeks in the clubs 22-year history.

Mr Parrish said: "There’s no one that cares more about the Dynamos than I do.

“I’ve literally had sleepless nights worrying about how I get the side to be as competitive as possible.

"With the financial constraints that we are working under, having had players leave the club for a variety of reasons, injuries and suspensions, it feels like everything has conspired against us this season.

“We came into this season full of optimism and felt we could be more competitive than the last campaign, but the harsh reality has seen us struggle in a league we are desperate to stay in.

“Things have come to a head in the past few weeks and we’ve reached out to a number of people that are working day and night to keep this club afloat.

"I can’t thank them enough for all the work they are putting in behind the scenes to stop us from going under.

“I’d hate to think of weekends without the Dynamos, but that could be a reality if we don’t get the support we need.

“Ice hockey across the UK is undoubtedly going through many structural changes and there could well be more to come, so it’s imperative that we ride these waves as a club and as a united club.

People have hit back at the club online, critiquing some of the decisions that have been made.

Mr Parrish added: “I’m well aware of the criticism on social media, message boards and the like and no one is hurt more by that than myself and the players. We give up absolutely everything to make this club successful and we’re determined to turn things around.”

Club director Jackie Mason added: “Having hit what we believe to be rock bottom, there is now light at the end of the tunnel and with the changes we are making operationally, I firmly believe we have what it takes to dig ourselves out of this hole.

“Our fans are without doubt the best in the league and this is where I am urging you all to get behind us. You have a massive part to play in saving our club.

“Please get behind the Crowd Funding campaign, ask a friend to join you at a game, but most of all, get behind the boys.”

The players will be signing autographs and having their pictures taken with great fans after this Sunday’s game against Bracknell Bees, whilst there will be your chance to have your say on the future direction of the club at a special fans forum.

This will be held at Planet Ice in Gillingham on Thursday in the bar from 8pm with Kevin Parrish and others answering questions from fans.

They are also giving away free game tickets to 50 local schools.

If you would like to donate visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-the-dynamos