MALVERN club Express Falcons have secured FA Charter Standard status to help them push ahead with future plans.

The scheme is open to all grassroots clubs and aims to raise standards by supporting development and rewarding commitment, quality and achievement.

Only a small number have achieved the award in Worcestershire.

The status aids clubs in receiving access to benefits that help to attract and retain players, volunteers and supporters.

The club formed in 2000 and despite several name and base changes have always kept Falcons in the title.

They now play from The Express Inn with McDonald’s Worcester and District Sunday League home games at Lower Howsell Road.

A Falcons statement said: “The current committee made a commitment to achieve the award back in 2017 and have worked with the FA to ensure all standards have been met.

“We are naturally delighted to be recognised for the commitment, quality and achievement we have demonstrated.

“It is testament not only to those that represent the club now but to the many players, members and supporters that have donned the Falcons colours over the past 19 seasons that we now stand here as a charter standard club.

"This will enable the club to plan ahead on further projects which may include more teams and greater involvement from the local community at varying age levels.

“We thank everyone for their support in helping us become an FA Charter Standard club.”

Fifth-placed Falcons celebrated the news with a Division One success, beating PT Eagles 3-2.

Brad Morton bagged a brace alongside Joseph Forsyth’s strike.

Meanwhile, nothing could separate Malvern Vale and FC Malvern in a 1-1 stalemate. Harry Wickett netted for Vale with Aaron Smith on target for the visitors.

Callow End opened up a three-point cushion at the top of the Premier Division courtesy of a 6-1 trouncing of St Johns.

Nick MacPherson bagged a treble with Jon Mann, Steve Mann and Robert Sinclair also netting.

Colwall Wanderers remain hot favourites for promotion from Division Two after seeing off GDL Athletic 11-2.

Tom Boyle cracked a treble, Ben Miller and Lewis Potter notched doubles and Joseph Bullock, Ben Febery, Dan Powell and Lewis Williams were also on the scoresheet for Wanderers.