Darlaston Town FC's ground has been awarded step four accreditation meaning the club will avoid a possible relegation.

The Citizens have received notice from the FA that the Paycare Stadium now meets the required standard for a club playing in the Northern One Midlands, and step four non-league football.

Following promotion from the Midland Premier League - step five - the club has been forced to make significant improvements to its ground in order to meet criteria and avoid a possible relegation.

Darlaston Town celebrate promotion from the Midland Premier League last year. Picture: Jim Wall.

With help from a Premier League Stadium Fund grant and the donation of a new toilet block from Bellway Homes, the series of improvements has cost in the region of £75,000 with £20,000 coming out of the club's own funds.

A new 50-seat stand has been installed at Darlaston's ground. Moreover, the club has had to increase covered terracing to accommodate 150 spectators, filled nearly 300 metres of post and rail, created a separate hospitality area for 24 people, created a press area for members of the media, installed outside toilets, increased the size of the dressing rooms, attached 100 metres of' privacy screening' and added two turnstiles.

The Citizens have enjoyed a remarkable first season at step four so far and sit seventh in the standings, nine points adrift of the play-off places. And, everyone at Darlaston is celebrating the significant achievement.

Chairman Neil Chambers said: "We are absolutely delighted with the award. The consequences of not achieving the standard could have been catastrophic including relegation.

"Bellway Homes have been magnificent donating a high quality outside toilet block whilst we could not have done it without a Premier League Stadium Fund grant.

"The total cost is close to £75,000 with the cost to the club exceeding £20,000. Costs have been kept down with much of the work being done by our wonderful volunteers and supporters.

"There has been a great atmosphere amongst the volunteers and supporters to get the work finished and I am immensely proud of what they and the club have achieved."