PEEL Park Football Club have achieved a first in Hyndburn.

The club have become the only club in the area - and one of only five adult only clubs in Lancashire - to achieve the FA Charter Standard Award.

The award is a "seal of approval" from the Football Association to show that clubs have met a set of pre-determined standards.

Peel Park had to provide evidence that they managed their accounts, had adequate insurance and qualified first aiders as well as standards of conduct which are expected from players and officials.

Peel Park operate three teams, the first team currently play in the East Lancs Division Two, with the second team in the Accrington Combination and a team entered in a local midweek seven-a-side league.

They are sponsored by Tiger Gas & Heating of Burnley and are based at the Peel Park pub on Turkey Street.

The club also operate a busy social section which involves Sportsman's Dinners and a forthcoming trip to York Races. Peel Park also sponsored Monday's clash between Accrington Stanley and York City.

Chairman Leigh Redmayne said: "This award is deserved recognition of the hard work of the committee to raise the standard of the club.

"This season has been a positive one for the club and we have attracted a lot of new players and this award will help the good work to continue.

"I would also like to thank the Hyndburn Sports Development Team who assisted us with the application."

For more information about Peel Park FC contact George Cull on 01254 380288.