Chelmsford City have launched their own Visa card which will raise the club's profile nationwide and also raise cash for the running of the Dr Martens League's promotion campaign this coming season.

Club chairman, Peter Stroud, this week unveiled the new credit card, which is believed to be the first for a non-league club in the country, and he is hoping for at least a 3,000-strong membership.

"We hope that not only City fans but other local people, including businessmen and women, will take advantage of the new card," he said.

"There is no annual charge and the rate is certainly competitive. What is important from the club's point of view is that it will raise important income as well as giving the club a wider public profile.

"We think we are the only non-league club in the country to have one and this is the type of promotion and fund raising we are aiming for as the club prepares for a new era," he added.

The new card is being promoted in a variety of ways, including some London taxi drivers, and anyone interested in signing up can contact the club offices on 01245 353052.

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