NEVER let it be said that York City fans aren't a hands-on bunch. York City Supporters' Trust has now become the football club's new owner.

But looking at these photos of Bootham Crescent past, that's not such a surprising outcome. Over the years the fans have mucked in, they've shovelled up and they've swept away any sort of obstacle in the way of their beloved football club.

In 1985 they cleared snow from the pitch in readiness for the FA Cup fourth round tie against Arsenal, and one diehard supporter even turned up straight from a shift at Rowntree's to help.

Also pictured is York City groundsman Bryan Foster, spreading straw on the pitch to help beat the freezing weather that threatened a Fifth Round FA Cup tie between York City and Liverpool in 1986.

Further back, in 1958, workmen installed drainage pipes under the pitch and in 1968 the shovels were out in full force again, clearing the terracing for an FA Cup replay.

Finally come two shots which act as a reminder of the scale and position of the Bootham Crescent ground, home of York City Football Club for so long, in wintry and fine conditions alike. The club may have had its problems, but the fans have supported it through over the years. This week's buy-out of the club by the Supporters' Trust just sees them doing what they've done all along - helping out the football club they know and love.

Updated: 10:37 Friday, March 28, 2003