Record numbers made their voices heard in the York City Supporters' Trust election with Sophie McGill and Paul Rawnsley coming out on top.

The two existing board members polled the highest number of votes each to attain re-election, while Steve Ovenden and Peter Rookes were voted on to the board for the first time.

Of the 1,995 members eligible to vote, 1,053 returned their papers unspoiled making up a total turn out of just under 53 per cent - 25 per cent up on last year and one of the highest ever recorded by a UK supporters' trust. McGill took almost a 90 per cent share of the votes - each member having four - and tallied 917 with Rawnsley polling 807.

New board member Ovenden, who took 649 votes to finish third, praised the high turn-out. He said: "I am delighted to have been elected - thanks to everyone who voted. With an increased turn-out of voters, the real winners are the Trust and democracy."

The postal ballot started four weeks ago when packs compiled by the Electoral Reform Service were sent out to members containing information on the seven candidates with the final result being announced at the annual meeting last night - exactly one year to the day since the club was plunged into administration.

McGill's re-election avoids a potential re-shuffle on the football club board under Code of Conduct rules which dictate that the football club board must have at least as many members of the Trust board as those with no association.

She said: "I am delighted to have been re-elected to the Trust board and would like to thank all the members who voted for me. My re-election enables me to continue the community and communications work I have undertaken on behalf of the Trust.

"This result is also testimony to my role as a club director. It is great to know so many fans support and acknowledge the efforts we are making to create a true community football club on a sound and secure financial footing."

Also re-elected were Rawnsley and Rookes, Rookes having been drafted in to fill a casual vacancy. But there was no place on the Trust board for Ian Hey, who had been co-opted on to the board last year. He polled just 491 votes to finish fifth of the seven candidates behind Rookes, who had 566 votes.

Mike Grant had 362 and Frank Ormston 233.

Rawnsley said: "I am pleased to be re-elected given all the commitment and hard work over the last couple of years.

"I have promised my wife I will try to spend a bit more time at home with my three junior Reds.

"The last two years have been very hard work behind the scenes on top of work and family life so getting re-elected is in a sense a kind of reward or recognition for all of that.

"With much hard work and commitment, York's Trust has achieved a great deal over the past couple of years.

"The hard work continues, in particular to try to deliver a solution to stay at Bootham Crescent at least until there's a better alternative."

Trust election winners

Sophie McGill

City involvement: Former publicity officer, founding Trust board member and director, communications officer for board and Trust.

Election pledge: To build on good foundations already laid as founder member of the Trust board.

"This is a period of consolidation for York City; in organisation, financial management, income generation, funding and negotiations for a permanent home.

"My involvement in the Trust and club's communications strategy has helped to secure its status as an outstanding example of fan power and successful ownership of a football club by it's supporters. It is important our achievements remain high profile."

Paul Rawnsley

City involvement: Chaired inaugural Save City meeting, led formulation of the rescue package, setting structure of Trust's role.

Election pledge: To make things happen across the board.

"I am very proud of what everyone has achieved over the past couple of years. I am determined to continue to contribute positively towards delivering a successful York City Football Club, for which success is measured by more than just results on the pitch.

"In my opinion, that requires the club to continue to have its home at the heart of the community."

Steve Ovenden

City involvement: Major Trust fundraiser, club in the community worker - also known as Yorkie the Lion.

Election pledge: To try to keep the club at Bootham Crescent, encourage new Trust members and pursue fans' concerns.

"We all share a common aim to give YCFC a viable future. If elected, my priorities are to: explore every option to ensure the club remain at Bootham Crescent; make the Trust more appealing to those yet to join; ensure openness and honesty by making myself available to all, to seek answers to members' concerns with the Trust and club boards."

Peter Rookes

City involvement: Helped develop business plan, liaised with Football League and FA, season ticket holder.

Election pledge: To try to keep the club at Bootham Crescent.

"On an ongoing basis, I oversee, from the Trust perspective, the football club's monthly accounts and financial projections to ensure the same position can never arise again and have prepared the statutory financial accounts for both the football club and the Supporters' Trust.

"There are still hurdles to overcome for the future of the club and it is essential that every effort is made to preserve the heritage of the club in its present location."

Updated: 11:36 Thursday, December 18, 2003