THE “astounding” efforts by Pars supporters have been hailed after it was revealed they have handed their club a £1 million lifeline.

This month, donations made to the Athletic through the Centenary Club Lifeline initiative will hit the seven-figure sum after it was relaunched in 2013, as the Pars recovered from administration.

The scheme, which currently has 900 members, provides a vital income stream for the club of around £200,000 per year, while offering those who back it the chance to win cash prizes.

The Centenary Club was originally established to celebrate the club’s 100th year in 1985, and over its first 30 years, donated around £750,000.

Pars vice-chairman, Billy Braisby, described exceeding that figure in just five years as “extraordinary”, and said: “The board of directors are astounded by the passion and support the fans continue to have for this club.

“There is no doubt that, without the Lifeline funds, we would have struggled to get this club back on an even keel after 2013.

“I would also like to say a big thanks to the Lifeline committee, all volunteers, who put in a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes.”

Lifeline chairman Ross Lindsay added: “I can’t thank our members enough for their resilience and sticking with the Lifeline during these difficult economic times.

“There is always room for more new members and I would ask our existing members to help recruit new members where they can and help us with our task of raising the next £1,000,000!”

In addition to £250 cash prize draws being made at home matches, a new draw will take place - starting from tomorrow's game with Falkirk - to produce a winner of two boardroom passes for home matches.

The winner will be allocated two boardroom passes for a nominated match, which includes pre-match drinks in the boardroom,  a chance to meet the directors, a seat in the directors box to watch the game, half-time snacks with tea and coffee, and a post match drink and chat after the game.

For more information about the Lifeline, and to join, visit the website.