WINCHESTER City FC have thrown open their doors to the armed forces, offering current and former service personnel free entry for the remainder of the season.

Winchester City FC have decided to give all serving and ex-serving personnel of HM's armed forces free admission to all home Southern Premier League matches.

On their Facebook the football club wrote: "We are delighted to make this offer to the service men and women of our country but can only do so with the incredibly generous support of our longstanding supporter, John Airey, who is personally funding this.

"Winchester City FC would like to thank John for his incredibly generous support."

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The Chronicle approached Winchester City FC for comment, asking them why they decided to offer the free admission to home games. They asserted it was due to the area's historic links to the armed forces.

Winchester City FC's secretary John McLaren said: "Winchester and the surrounding areas have a great historical link with the armed forces and high numbers of serving men and women, including some on our coaching and playing staff, have taken up residence in this great city.

"The idea for free entry came from one of our supporters, who is also making a substantial contribution to the funding of this.  

"We are delighted to make this invitation to the serving men and women in the area to come and support Winchester City FC for the remainder of the season, especially starting at this time of the year as we remember all those that have given their lives in service of their country."