Bolton Wanderers will be offering free beer to their fans before their match against Blackburn in a bid to increase attendance levels at the Reebok Stadium.

The first 1,000 supporters to arrive will be invited into the club's pre-match fanzone for a complementary drink and cut price food.

From there on beer and cider will be subsidised at £1.75 until kick-off.

Following their relegation battle last season, Bolton have been taking out a number of measures to increase on the 11 per cent drop in crowd numbers.

So far this campaign, their home match figures have shown little in the way of rising.

Club manager, Gary Megson said: "We’re making a big effort to promote club-supporter relationships and not just due to the credit crunch.

"The atmosphere for our last home game against Arsenal was incredible, and hopefully that sets a standard."

Tickets for seats behind both goals can be picked up for between £5-15, and young fans can now buy season tickets for £49.

A newly dubbed 'singing end' is also growing in popularity, with fans encouraged to bring banners and flags to matches.

Bolton's fans' liaison officer, Tony Kelly has spoken of his pleasure in giving the fans what they had been asking for.

"A lot of fans have got in touch asking if the club would consider hosting a venue where they can go for a drink and something to eat before the match," he said.

"I'm delighted to say the club has taken on board our fans' comments.