Carlisle United and their supporters' trust are giving fans the chance to have their faces in the crowd at Brunton Park - even though they can't be there in person.

With supporters not permitted to watch games in grounds for the foreseeable, United and CUOSC have launched a new way for the Blues faithful to show their support.

Supporters will be able to have a cut-out of their face printed and displayed in their stadium, with funds raised from the initiative going to the club to help them during the Covid-19 crisis.

It is part of CUOSC's Carlisle REUnited campaign which was launched at the start of the pandemic.

United's chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “After a successful trial game with fans against Southend, for fans to be locked out until possibly March is a bitter blow. 

“This is a way for supporters to be at our games – in spirit. I know fans miss coming to our games very much and having a face in the crowd means that Covid can’t take that away from us!”

Nigel Davidson from CUOSC added: “The Carlisle REUnited campaign aims to re-energise, re-focus and re-unite the fanbase of Carlisle United, whilst helping to raise funds for the club.

“With the devastating news that supporters won’t now be attending games from October, as previously planned, this is a great opportunity to be at Brunton Park in spirit, whilst helping the club with some much needed financial support.”

The face in the crowd initiative has been seen at other clubs in behind-closed-doors matches in recent months.

United say photos will be displayed on 4mm Correx signs and are "durable and strong - perfectly designed to withstand the Cumbrian winter".

The cost to have your face displayed inside Brunton Park will be £25 including VAT. All funds raised, after supplier costs, will go to the club as part of the Carlisle REUnited scheme.

United say images of the display will be posted on their official media channels and the CUOSC website. It is hoped the first ones will be installed at Brunton Park for next Saturday's game against Barrow.

Once fans are allowed back at games, the cut-outs will be stored and can either be collected by fans or donated to the club.

The cut-out offer has proved popular with supporters at other clubs in behind-closed-doors games.

It has also led to a range of amusing and unlikely sights at grounds.

Some supporters requested images of their pets to be in the stands, while cut-outs of the Queen, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been seen in some grounds - along with Toy Story character Buzz Lightyear.

The initiative turned sour in Australia, meanwhile, when likenesses of Adolf Hitler and Harold Shipman were seen at one NRL rugby game.

To order your photo to be displayed at Brunton Park, visit https://www.faceinthecrowd.store and click on Carlisle United.