Norwich unveiled their season ticket price policy for the 2007/08 campaign with a promise to put the family first. The Canaries announced a 3.6% increase along with a raft of innovative measures to encourage the next generation - including a pledge to turn Carrow Road into one of the country's first smoke-free stadiums.

Norwich unveiled their season ticket price policy for the 2007/08 campaign yesterday with a promise to put the family first.

The Canaries announced a 3.6% increase along with a raft of innovative measures to encourage the next generation - including a pledge to turn Carrow Road into one of the country's first smoke-free stadiums.

Club officials are hopeful of hitting their 20,200 target with existing fans offered inducements of up to 22% for early renewals.

A standard adult ticket in the Barclay Stand will rise from £344 to £356 for supporters who renew before the first deadline of March 3 - equivalent to £15.48 per match over a 46-game Championship season.

Figures published yesterday revealed 75% of existing supporters had renewed their season tickets before the first deadline for this season, generating £3.6m.

Existing season ticket holders have until May 15 to renew - extended to May 31 if Norwich reach this season's Championship play-off final.

Any remaining tickets would be offered to 750 supporters who have paid a deposit to be included on a waiting list.

The club has also targeted its younger fans by offering Carrow Road season tickets from £38 (under 12s) and £53 (under 16s) in designated family areas. In addition 150 seats will be set aside in the Wensum Corner for casual ticket sales to under 12s (free admittance for under 7s).

“We believe the prices offer value for money,” said Andrew Cullen, the club's director of sales and marketing. “It's going to be a challenge to get the same take up as we achieved this season but a healthy season ticket base is vital to make us competitive.

“Not only does it allow us to go to our sponsors and partners in the community, it also helps Peter Grant in his stated ambition of both refreshing the squad and providing greater balance.”

The club has retained the interest-free payment scheme, with 8,325 fans this season choosing to spread the cost of their purchase over three, six or nine months.

“It actually costs the club to offer an interest-free scheme,” said Cullen. “Some cynics suggested people would find it easy to default if the team was not playing particularly well but only eight supporters have done so this season. That says something about the merits of being brave and bold.

“We continue to believe in making football as accessible and affordable as possible to watch. The price of a Barclays Stand season ticket compares favourably with the likes of Birmingham and Leeds (£475). It actually equates to a saving of £157 for someone purchasing tickets on a casual match by match basis in those areas of the ground.

“At Norwich we are extremely fortunate to have a loyal and dedicated fan base. We hope our pricing policy and payment schemes help in some small part to repay that loyalty.”

The club also hope to attract more supporters with its no smoking stance. From next season fans will not be allowed to smoke inside any part of Carrow Road - a policy that could eventually be adopted across the entire Football League.

Rob Emery, from the Supporters Consultative Group invited to take part in the three-month discussion process, welcomed the decision.

“It's something I personally have wanted for a while,” he said. “I think it can only encourage more people to come along. We had a positive dialogue with the club over a range of issues. The Norwich fans have shown their resilience and loyalty in times of adversity. If the club is playing fair by them then they are willing to give it back in return.”