GUISELEY AFC is celebrating a decision that means it can continue to play in the National League.

The football club resumed work on upgrading its grounds in February after it was forced to pause by Leeds City Council over concerns about damage to tree roots.

That delay was the cause of much anxiety as the club had been given an end of March deadline to complete all the required improvements to Nethermoor Park.

Guiseley had earlier been told it had to bring the grounds up to A grade level or face relegation, something Chairman Phil Rogerson had warned could have 'devastating' consequences.

Last Wednesday, March 30, inspectors came to evaluate the state of the stadium - and declared it up to scratch.

The club announced the news in a statement posted on its website, guiseleyafc.co.uk. It said: "We are delighted to announce that our Nethermoor Park home has been recommended for Grade A status following an inspection.

"The successful inspection of the ground following our recent building works paves the way for our club to remain in the National League.

"We now await written confirmation of the decision from the FA in due course.

"Recent work at the ground has increased terraced standing capacity and added essential improvements such as emergency lighting and additional turnstiles and convenience facilities."

Club Chairman Phil Rogerson added: "It has taken an enormous effort to achieve this grading in such a short space of time.

"I’d like to thank everybody who has helped us get to this point, from contractors and our grounds team to everyone who has given up their time to paint and tidy.

"We have home games against Cheltenham, Wrexham and Torquay remaining. I’d like to ask as many of our fans as possible to come and cheer the team on to help make the end of the season equally successful on the pitch as off it!"

The club's race against the clock bid to upgrade its grounds focused on increasing the capacity so it could accept 4,000 spectators to meet the league's requirements.

Some £250,000 - about a tenth of the estimated total cost of the club's wider revamp scheme - has been spent on the redevelopment, which has also included improvements to crush barriers, toilets and turnstiles.

Mr Rogerson has been keen to thank everyone who has helped either practically, by helping with painting, weeding and other tasks, or providing financial backing.

The club had to remove temporary cabins and groundsmen's huts to free up the space needed to increase its capacity.

On the pitch, meanwhile, Guiseley AFC look now to be just about safe from the the threat of relegation - as of March 31 they were lying in 18th place out of 24, with 42 points - though some vital games remain.

Mr Rogerson is hoping fans will turn out in strength for those remaining fixtures, especially at home, to help the their team over the line.