Boss Gary Setchell admits he is absolutely ecstatic that King's Lynn Town have been granted promotion to Step Four of the non-league ladder.

The FA confirmed yesterday that the Linnets will player higher-level football next season, despite finishing runners-up to Long Buckby in the United Counties Premier Division.

Even though The Walks outfit had been expecting to sneak up via the back door, due to Buckby failing ground grading requirements, Setchell insists he was still relieved at the FA's decision.

The Linnets boss said: 'After getting 209 points in two seasons I felt we deserved to go up.

'I'm absolutely ecstatic and relieved we have. We're now at the level, at least, that the club should be at. It's remarkable to think that, considering there was no club two years ago, with one more promotion we could be back to the level we were at.

'The chairman and his family have built the club from scratch. Kevin Boon and I built a team - that I've taken on - and we've stepped forward as a club. The fans deserve this news.

'We were the best-supported Step Five side in the country and we'll be one of, if not the best, at Step Four.'

Lynn's promotion bid was strengthened when it became apparent that not all of the 12 Step Five promotion slots could be filled by league's respective champions.

Setchell's side also had the best points per game average (2.650) of all the runners-up who had applied to go up - and had their grounds approved - but faced an anxious wait to learn their fate.

Setchell said: 'I'm delighted but now I need to get to work. I'll have a chat with the players about their futures before I sit down with the chairman (Buster Chapman) and work out our plans.

'I need to make sure we're very competitive next season. I've already touched base with some players that I'd be keen to bring in because it's vital we look to press on again.'

The FA are set to announce who will play in what division next season on Friday, but it appears likely that the Linnets will be placed in the Ryman Division One North league.

They could join fellow promoted Norfolk outfit, Eastern Counties League champions Wroxham, with the Yachtsmen desperately hoping the FA place them in that league for travelling reasons.