SALISBURY FC has confirmed an extension to the lease at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium until the end of the 2016/17 season.

The Old Sarum stadium has been the Whites home since 1997 and it now means the Wessex league leaders can apply for Southern league football.

Chairman David Phillips made the announcement in front of a bumper crowd of 854 supporters moments before FA Vase clash with St Austell, which the Whites won 4-0.

"We are grateful to the trustees for the extension,” he said. “I am sure they have seen that we are a well-run club now and been reassured that we are meeting our monthly rental payments.

"The ultimate aim is still to move the club to a new stadium to release the current venue to the trustees as they are seeking in the long term but for now, we can enjoy a bit of stability.

"We will continue our current work with the trustees and all the other agencies involved, from both football and local and county councils, to try and find a new location and the right resolution for all concerned."

The club will apply for promotion ahead of the November 30 deadline. Any promotion would be dependent on the Whites final position in the Wessex league.