Barnet FC supporters walked 11.6 miles as part of a demonstration calling for their team to return to its home town.

The Barnet Football Club’s Supporters Trust walked from the club's previous home at the Underhill Stadium, in Westcombe Drive, Barnet, to The Hive, in Canons Park, yesterday.

They trekked the distance partly to watch the Bees first game of the season against Chester City but also to draw attention to their Back2Barnet campaign.

The team's new home has caused controversy in recent weeks because of the way Harrow Borough Council handled planning and leasing of the grounds.

Many were also unhappy that Barnet had left their 'home' borough.

Gary Cooper, a member of Barnet FC's supporters trust, organised the sponsored walk in order to raise money to bring the Bees back to Barnet.

He said: “We wanted to do something to help the team raise enough money so they could come home and we thought we would do it for the opening game to keep it fun.

“They are Barnet’s team and it’s only right that they should be in their own town and I hope they will be back there in three years or so.

“Hopefully this walk would have raised about £800 – we have a long way to go but it’s a start.”

Oliver Deed, the director of the supports trust, said he wanted to team to come home.

He said: “The history and heritage of the club is in Barnet which is why we are supporting the campaign.

“I have spoken to councillors in Harrow and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to come back.”