A fund set up to boost Brighton and Hove Albion's battle against relegation has already raised £10,000.

Fans have dug deep into their pockets for the Forty Note Fund, initiated by The Argus columnist Ian Hart, by donating sums in excess of the £40 asked.

Organisers believe the amount will soar even higher following a push at Albion's sold-out home game against Ipswich Town next Tuesday evening, when paying-in slips for the Forty Note Fund will be available.

The first batch of money raised will be handed over to Albion manager Steve Coppell in the first week of January.

The fund was only set up three weeks ago but it has already captured the imagination of fans.

Ian said: "We have had little old ladies donating £5 and one guy, who wishes to remain anonymous, because he does not want his misses to find out, donated £500."

The money could be used by the club to pay the wages of high-profile loan signings when the transfer window opens in January.

Ian said: "I trust Steve Coppell implicitly. He is a man of integrity and I know that he will use it to do everything he can to keep The Albion up. So long as we finish outside the bottom three I don't care."

All season ticket supporters have been asked to chip in £40 and ten Albion-supporting businessmen, along with Ian, got the ball rolling at a meeting three weeks ago.

The team has shown signs that it can stay in the First Division, despite being handicapped by the temporary stadium at Withdean, which has a maximum capacity of 7,000 - and the extra finance from the power base of fans should help.

One high-profile fan who has contributed is journalist and author Mike Ward, who said: "Raising £10,000 in three weeks shows the incredible passion of caring and feeling for the Albion in the city and Sussex."

Donations, payable to the Forty Note Fund, can be made to the Allied Irish Bank in Marlborough Place, Brighton, or Doug Clarke c/o Grate Fireplaces, 77-79 North Street. Portslade, BN41 1DH or Mike Middleton at 10, Buxted Road, Brighton BNI 5DE.