BASINGSTOKE RFC are aiming to deliver a major boost to the Stand Up 4 'Stoke fundraising appeal by qualifying for amateur sports club status.

The Down Grange-based club are trying to become, in effect, a charitable trust, so they can then take advantage of gift aid benefit.

The 28 per cent bonus awarded on charitable donations through that Government-sanctioned taxation perk is the prime reason behind the club's bid.

Basingstoke RFC chairman Dr Steve Tristram said achieving their aim will deliver a massive cash boost to the Stand Up 4 'Stoke appeal.

Inland Revenue financial experts have been examining 'Stoke accounts over the past six weeks and will soon inform the club if they have been successful.

Dr Tristram said: "Our secretary, David Crabbe, has been speaking with people at the Inland Revenue, who have been provided with all the relevant paperwork.

"Their experts need to examine it all, in some detail, before giving new amateur sports club status the go-ahead. We expect to hear from them in the next fortnight, but the sooner it happens, the better."

Dr Tristram explained: "If we succeed in receiving amateur sports club status, we will receive the extra 28 per cent to donations that gift aid provides.

"It will mean a huge cash boost to the appeal. Instead of paying VAT on donations, we will be gaining money. Obviously, this will be a far more efficient use of money and a far quicker way of reaching our target sum."

The Stand Up 4 'Stoke appeal was launched last autumn to raise £250,000 towards various improvements at Down Grange, for the benefit of the club and the wider sporting community in Basingstoke and Deane.

The £250,000 will enable, among other things, the building of a new 290-seat stand and a new first-team pitch. It will also allow a clubhouse overhaul to take place.

Since last year's launch in The Gazette, the appeal has been well-supported by club members from all sections, with a host of events held to contribute to the coffers.

The club recently distributed 1,000 special CD-ROMs about the appeal to its vast membership, sponsors and other local businesses.

The CD-ROM outlines what the appeal is all about, what it needs in terms of support and the plus points of getting involved.

It also reveals two of the main ways 'Stoke are hoping to bolster funds - through the sale of £500 debentures for a seat in the new stand for three years and £50 bricks in a commemorative wall on the new stand.

Dr Tristram said: "We've had a very good response in a short time, with 26 offers for the debenture scheme seats and loads of offers for the bricks, but we're having to tell people to hold back with their money for the time being while we wait to hear from the Inland Revenue."

'Stoke want to have the new stand ready by September, the start of the new rugby season. However, the club are still awaiting full planning permission for the stand, parking and clubhouse extension to be given by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.