A CROWDFUNDING campaign has been launched in a bid to save a Hampshire football club hit by vandalism and the lockdown.

The campaign aims to raise at least £5,000 for Totton and Eling FC, known as The Millers.

It follows an incident in which lights at the club's ground were damaged by hooligans.

A statement on its Crowdfunding page says: "Covid-19 and vandalism at the club has created a very uncertain future for our club."

A separate statement adds: "Please support The Millers if you can during this very difficult time. We would love to be able to see you all again when next season resumes.

"We can do that with your help. Without it we may not be able to make it through."

The campaign has already raised £748 - 14% of its target.

One of the comments left on the page says: "Good work with the fundraising. I hope the vandals see this and feel a bit of remorse."

Another adds: "Never give in to mindless idiots."

Originally known as Bramtoco the club was formed in 1925 and was initially made up of workers from the British American Tobacco company.

It changed its name to BAT Sports FC in 1971, the year it entered the Hampshire League.

The club won Division 3 of the League in 1975 before becoming champions of the top division in both 1988 and 1989.