COLCHESTER United are getting ready to Take Over the Town.

The U’s wants to get everyone behind them and raise money for charity in the lead up to their last home game of the season.

Backed by the Gazette, they plan to paint the town blue and white ahead of their match against Brentford on Saturday, April 26.

Matt Hudson, U’s media manager, said: “We’re really excited about the Take Over the Town campaign.

“We’ve got some fantastic relationships with businesses and organisations around the town and we hope this campaign will see us make many new friends around Colchester.

“We’re proud to take the name of Colchester around the country and we hope the campaign will allow us to spread the word around the town.”

Gazette:

U's staff launching the campaign

Schools and businesses will be encouraged to hold Wear it Blue days to raise money.

U’s players will visit Nando’s in Head Street to meet fans.

Firms will be encouraged to deck their windows in blue and white with U’s manager Joe Dunne and Colchester mayor Colin Sykes picking the winners.

Companies will get the chance to have player visits in the month leading up to the big day and hold competitions to win prizes.

Proceeds will be distributed among Colchester charities, including the Tom Bowdidge Foundation, which was set up in memory of Tom, 19, to raise money for cancer charities.

Mr Hudson added: “When we played Chelsea in the FA Cup back in 2006, it was brilliant to see the town covered in blue and white.

”We’re keen to see as many businesses and schools as possible get involved in this campaign and for staff and pupils to have a lot of fun along the way.

“The town is starting to grow out towards the stadium.

“We hope this can be the first of many such events that link the stadium with the town centre is the years to come.”

To get involved in the campaign tweet your support using #takeoverthetown or e-mail ryan.jennings@nqe.com with details of what you are doing to mark the occasion.