SPECTATORS of Ivybridge Town’s football matches can look forward to cheering on their team in more comfort.

South Hams Council planning committee was unanimous in its support for the club’s plan to build a covered standing area for 100 people behind one of the goals at their ground at Erme Valley.

There is already a small under-cover seating area on the halfway line, but the new construction will offer some respite from the weather for fans who would rather stand.

The covered area will be 15 metres long and two metres high.

The club now plays in the Western League Premier Division, and FA regulations mean that at that level there must be covered standing for 100 people.

Cllr Simon Rake (Lib Dem, Blackawton and Stoke Fleming) said: “I would like to give my congratulations to Ivybridge Town for making it to the fifth step of the football pyramid.”

Guy Henderson