AMBITIOUS Huddersfield Giants are closing in on their target of 2,006 season-ticket holders by the start of 2006!

The Super League club are already within striking distance of that total and are confident it will be achieved by Christmas.

And if that happens, it would represent the highest number of season tickets sold by the club in the calendar year before the season starts.

It took the Giants until midway through last season to achieve over 2,000 season-ticket holders, which was a record for the club at the time.

But it seems certain that landmark will be smashed in 2006 as the Giants also look to improve on last season's average crowd of 5,300.

"We are already seeing record sales of tickets and replica shirts," said general manager Richard Thewlis.

"To get 2,006 season-ticket holders by the end of the year would be an excellent achievement. And if all the people who have said they will renew do it now, we will smash our previous record, which will be a tremendous boost for everyone.

"We offer the cheapest side-on seated season ticket in Super League and, on top of that, all primary school children can gain free admission.

"I really would urge all those who are thinking about buying a season ticket to get it now and become one of our record-breakers!"

Giants marketing officer Jonathan Wilkinson has been at the heart of the season-ticket drive, and he is delighted with the club's progress.

"In 2002, our average gate was just over 2,000, and now we are aiming for the same number of season-ticket holders!" he said.