Pitchero Non League

This means that, subject to teams meeting strict criteria both on and off the pitch, promotion directly into Step 6 leagues such as the East Midlands Counties League is now a distinct possibility.

Acting NSL chairman Ian Kirk said: 'This is fantastic news. We've been striving towards this for some time now and were very disappointed not to have been awarded Step 7 a year ago.

"However, since then, and due in no small part to the immense efforts of treasurer and registrar John Beeston, we've worked hard on revising our offering and are delighted all the hard work has paid off.

"It makes sense to have a Step 7 league in every county and, with the Humberside, West Yorkshire, Leicestershire and Sheffield County leagues also getting Step 7, it just shows how much hard work is going on behind the scenes to increase standards in the local game.

"We've already had expressions of interest from a couple of good quality local clubs about joining us for the 2013/14 season and we're expecting more.

"If we can keep raising the bar all the time then hopefully, by the time we reach our tenth anniversary in a couple of years' time, there will be an even better offering for Notts non-League teams who don't want the travelling associated with other Step 7 leagues but do want to be able to go straight to Step 6 under the right circumstances.

"We are well pleased and thank the Football Association their consideration.'

The league's AGM takes place tonight at Hucknall Rolls Leisure with the revised constitution for the forthcoming season expected to see six new teams competing in the competition.

The league's sponsorship deal with Precision has been extended for a further two seasons which will see the partnership run through to the ten year point at least.

"We're proud to work alongside such a progressive brand as Precision," added Kirk.

"They've been really good to us and it's great to see local firms supporting local sport. We look forward to working alongside them for many years to come."