CHELTENHAM Town's 'Raise the Ground' 500 Club is celebrating after reaching two significant milestones.

The fundraising venture was founded by chairman Steve Smith in 2001 and now has close to 600 members.

It has raised in excess of a quarter of a million pounds, with more than £50,000 donated straight to the football club.

In the past, the cash donations have been used to build a new away turnstile, upgrade the tannoy system, replace a boiler in the kitchen, supply rowing machines for the training ground and improve the Whaddon Road pitch, which in itself cost more than £20,000.

The next three projects have already been planned, with a new lawnmower for groundsman Terry Roberts, new frost sheets to comply with Football League regulations ahead of next season and an update to the back-up batteries for the security tower all expected in the coming months.

There may also be a contribution towards the cost of moving the dugouts.

"The aim is to do as much as possible for a club that needs the money," Smith said.

"Any members can advertise free on our website and anyone can join for a good chance to win some cash. It's not only open to Robins fans."

Smith is supported by accountant Dave Taylor and Andy Jeffree, who has designed the new website, which went live after last Saturday's home match against Chesterfield.

Robins chairman Paul Baker paid tribute to 500 Club.

"The 500 Club has made a massive contribution to the football club enabling it to carry out a number of important stadium and pitch improvements which otherwise it would have been unable to fund," Baker said.

"Steve Smith and his committee are to be congratulated on setting up the club and making it the success that it is with a steadily increasing membership enabling some very big cash prizes to be awarded."

As well as helping the football club, more than £200,000 has been shelled out in prize money to members.

Each member pays £5 per month and are entered into a weekly prize draw.

There are 40 weekly draws per year, with the winner scooping £300. There was also 11 monthly draws, with £500 the prize and once a year, a lucky member will take home the £5,000 Boxing Day windfall.

For more information about the 500 Club, visitwww.ctfc500club.com.