The FA has upgraded Carlsberg Peninsula League division one east and west to step 7 on the National League System pyramid, the league's board has revealed.

Both divisions were formerly graded 7A, meaning they were inelligible to enter FA competitions such as the FA Vase.

In a statement the league said: "The board of the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League are delighted to be able to announce that they have today received confirmation from the Football Association at Wembley that the East & West Divisions have been upgraded to Step 7.

"Twelve months ago we were disappointed that we were classified as 7A, the middle of 3 categories for such leagues, and we have worked hard to ensure we were upgraded as quickly as possible.

"As a full step 7 division it means the FA regard it as having 100% of clubs meeting the minimum ground standards that they set, and in turn it means the league, through its clubs, can insist upon standards higher than the minimum for both current and prospective clubs.

"The league board have already formulated in advance of this notice a series of rule proposals which will go before the clubs at the AGM on Tuesday 4th June. These measures will enshrine that we remain open only to clubs with all the FA minimum requirements for Step 7, plus we will insist upon proper pitch dimensions (100 x 64 meters), hard standing on at least one side, railings rather than rope (except if one side borders another sport, eg cricket), proper dug-outs and technical areas for managers and refreshment facilities on the ground for spectators.

"The officers of the league are determined that clubs in the league have facilities that reflect the nature of the standard that they play at and remain committed to ensuring new clubs are accepted each year, but that bringing them into the fold adds "quality rather than just quantity.""