PLANS are under way to launch a new supporters group at Bristol Rovers.

The Gas Independent Fans Trust (GIFT) has around 50 members but is looking to mount a major recruitment drive over the next few weeks, including handing out leaflets at selected home games.

Organisers stress they will be looking to work alongside the existing Supporters Club, while offering an alternative voice, and believe the two groups can compliment each other.

GIFT representatives have already scheduled a meeting with directors Ken Masters and David Brain – the two Supporters Club representatives on the board – before the forthcoming game against Oldham.

Spokesman Gary Marks said: "We believe it's vital that GIFT and the Rovers board work together.

"To help us develop a working relationship we have sent the board a copy of our manifesto and we are very encouraged that two directors have agreed to meet with us before the Oldham game.

"This will give us an excellent opportunity to explain how we think we can help the board and, as a result benefit Bristol Rovers.

"You only have to look at what has happened at Bristol City to see that it can work – their Supporters Trust has a very good relationship with their chairman Steve Lansdown and works alongside their Supporters Club. It shows the two groups can work in tandem."

GIFT's manifesto is available through their website – www.gas-trust.org – and their aims include:

Establishing a framework whereby fans are effectively informed on all key matters affecting the club and have a major input into the club's key decision making processes.

Campaigning for improvements in the marketing of the club and offering to provide practical assistance in order to deliver them.

Campaigning to ensure that youth development and scouting remains a top priority at the club and helping Rovers develop a programme that aids its long-term success, based on a blend of youth and experience, local and non-local.

Raising the profile and reputation of the club in the local community, thereby helping it to attract the next generation of supporters and finding future talent for the Rovers first team.

Celebrating the club's traditions and key events in its history, using them to promote the club in the local area and attracting new and lapsed supporters to matches.

A Supporters Trust – the Gas Trust – was previously set up in 2002 with limited success but Marks said: "This isn't the Gas Trust in new clothes.

"We have a lot of new faces involved, including many supporters who have never been officially involved with the club before. There is a lot of fresh blood expressing an interest, and that can only be a good thing."