Brentford have seen attendances rise by over a third since last season - the highest percentage increase in League 1.

Average crowds at Griffin Park between August and December have been 6,301, compared to 4,659 over the same period last season - an increase of 35.23 per cent.

The increase is part of a positive trend across the Coca-Cola Football League, with crowds rising by more than 3% on the first half of last season.

More than 8.6m fans have attended Football League matches during the first five months of the 2009/10 league season at an average of 10,441 fans per match.

Football League crowds are currently at their highest levels for 50 years and have topped the 16 million mark in each of the last five seasons.

Football League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney, said: "It is very encouraging to see more and more supporters going through the turnstiles at Football League grounds.

"The dedication they have shown towards their clubs during a challenging economic period further underlines the strength of the domestic game."

The League's two showpiece cup competitions - the Carling Cup and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy - have also witnessed growing popularity this season. In the Carling Cup, crowds have increased by more than 3% during the competition's 50th year, whilst the Johnstone's Paint Trophy has seen attendances rocket by a massive 37%.

League One:

Brentford 35.23% increase - Avg of 6,301 up from 4,659

Gillingham 29.57% increase - Avg of 6,370 up from 4,916

Southampton 21.80% increase - Avg of 20,600 up from 16,913

Exeter City 16.23% increase - Avg of 5,471 up from 4,707

Colchester United 15.21 increase - Avg of 5,618 up from 4,876