GREAT Harwood Town manager John Hughes has revealed his delight at his team's promotion.

The Robins had already enjoyed a successful season, getting to the League Challenge Cup quarter-final and final of the Division Two Cup, but discovered at a league meeting last night they had achieved promotion as well.

Their move up to the North West Counties First Division comes as a result of Darwen being slammed with a three-point deduction.

Steve Wilkes' side, who ended the season in fourth place - the final promotion slot in Division Two, were punished for fielding Dennis Hill against Leek CSOB while he was suspended at the end of March.

Hughes said: "The club itself deserves to go up, the lads proved that.

"We have a young side but we've proved we can compete with the teams above us.

"We've beaten two sides from the First Division this season so that shows we're good enough."

The Showground side now have a four-week countdown to their next fixture, after arranging a pre-season friendly with Blackburn Rovers.

Hughes added: "We'll be working hard for the new season. We should have John Eastham back then as well so there'll be competition for places in the side."

Meanwhile, Hughes has invited all the supporters to join in their promotion celebrations at the end of season presentation night on Thursday.

The event will be held at the Great Harwood's Showground, starting at 7.30pm. Admission is free.