Hearts community development manager Alan White today expressed a huge thank-you to supporters who have donated to the Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust via their 20010/11 season ticket purchases.

With further season tickets expected to be sold during the summer months, donations have already reached the £11,000 mark which represents a 100% increase on last year's total.

The Trust, which is a Scottish Charity, is regularly acknowledged as one of the most progressive and innovative community programmes in the country. It has developed a number of positive initiatives since 2006 such as the AEGON Breakfast Club programme, Hearts Music Project, Support Employment and the impressive grassroots activity courses.

The Trust has also assisted Heart of Midlothian in becoming the SPL club providing the most work placements through the league-wide Future Jobs initiative, which was recently announced to help 18-24-year-olds back into employment and training.

"Once again the Hearts fans have shown their unwavering support of our community programme and of course we are extremely grateful," said Alan. 

"We have worked tirelessly over the past four years to raise the profile of the Trust to ensure Hearts supporters are aware of our aims and the developments we have made in the clubs catchment area.

"Being set up as a charity is a challenge, having to ensure that effective and worthwhile programmes are in place and at the same time continually raising funds to sustain and support the Trust's work.

"These dontations will go a very long way in helping the Trust achieve success."