Dinnington Town have been granted an extension to a top Football Association award they were given in 2005.

The Phoenix Park outfit were handed the FA Charter Standard at Community Club Status as part of a national scheme that focusses on placing clubs at the heart of their community.

The status runs for three years and, over the last few months, the club have been working towards renewal of the award.

Yesterday, Club Secretary Chris Dearns met with Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA Official Marc Birkett who has approved the documentation to renew it for another three years.

The application has been sent to the FA for full accreditation.

Birkett said: "On behalf of the Charter Standard Committee, congratulations, and we look forward to working with you for another three years."

Dearns added: "It was a great achievement getting the FA award in 2005 and now, to get the approval for a further three years, it shows the club has not slackened in their efforts to play the game of football at the highest of standards.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club who have helped me and have taken valuable time out of their busy lives to attain their FA qualifications and for the time they spend with our young players over the season.

"This gives us comfort that the children involved at our club are looked after in the correct way and their welfare is paramount before anything else.

"A special mention and thanks must go to the club's Child Protection Officer, Anita White, and Junior Club Secretary, Zoe Lowe, who spend their own valuable time making sure all our volunteers attend the courses and update their qualifications when required."

The club will be hoping this achievement will help them gain funding in the near future when they look to provide facilities they need and surely deserve.