AN Ipswich Town Football Club youth development scheme supported by Britannia Building Society has topped the £5million mark.

AN Ipswich Town Football Club youth development scheme supported by Britannia Building Society has topped the £5million mark.

The Save and Support initiative, launched nine years ago, allows fans to support the club's work through accounts at the building society.

Ipswich Town Football Club manager Jim Magilton was presented with a cheque for more than £750,000 from the building society yesterday , taking the total amount raised by their customers to £5million.

Since the Ipswich Town Save and Support accounts began in 1998, the club has channelled the money received into the future development of the team, and in particular its highly-rated Academy.

Invited guests from Britannia will be at tonight's Championship match against Wolverhampton Wanderers in recognition of their contribution to the success of the Save and Support accounts and Ipswich Town Personal Loans.

Tim Franklin, Britannia's managing director of member business said it was “a huge milestone”.

“The Save and Support account gives fans a great rate of interest while supporting their favourite club at the same time. In return, Britannia gives a percentage of the daily average balances back to the club,” he said.

Mr Magilton said the amount raised so far was “a great achievement”.

“I would personally like to thank all those who have opened accounts with Britannia Building Society for their support,” he said.

“The Academy is this club's pride and joy and this can only help continue to benefit the long-term future of the club.”