LANCASTER City are declaring war on apathy - by firing the opening shots in a battle to get more fans through the gates at the Giant Axe.

They are offering a cut-price deal to spectators who want to take in a trio of home matches within eight days at the turn of the year.

Successive home games against Wakefield and Emley, Colne and Frickley Athletic on January 3, 6 and 10 respectively, can all be watched for a £10 one-off payment.

It is the first time that the Dolly Blues have taken the initiative in a bid to give local people a new reason to try out the non-league football scene.

But commercial manager Les Taylor hopes it will be the first of many new ideas to be tested as City hope to follow in the footsteps of 'derby' rivals Morecambe - and move towards a place in the upper reaches of the game.

The Dolly Blues make no secret of the fact that they are keen to gain a foothold in the new Conference North league which will be formed at the end of the current season.

But with an average gate of fewer than 300 loyal souls turning out at 'the Axe', finance is always going to be the key, says Taylor.

He told the Citizen: "Since the euphoria surrounding the FA Cup clash against Cambridge United gates have declined dramatically. We, therefore, thought that these three matches in quick succession provided an ideal opportunity to make the offer of saving spectators' money while encouraging more support."

City are also at home to the 'auld enemy' Barrow in a Unibond Premier Division clash on Boxing Day (December 26), with a 3pm kick.

Taylor says anyone who wants to take up the special price offer in the New Year will need to buy a ticket before the first match.

They will be available from the commercial office at Giant Axe or from the Dolly Blue Tavern in the evenings from this Sunday, December 21.

The games are - Saturday, January 3: Wakefield & Emley (ko 3pm); Tuesday, January 6: Colne (ko 7.45pm); Saturday, January 10: Frickley Ath (ko 3pm).