AT the first time of asking, Haltwhistle Jubilee have gained promotion to Division One of the Northern Alliance.

The league season was declared null and void as a result of play stopping for the coronavirus pandemic, but Division Two favourites Haltwhistle have been given permission to make the step up their performances deserved after a team in the higher division resigned.

With Blyth Spartans Reserves leaving the league, there was a space in Division One to fill and, having led for most of the season, Haltwhistle occupied the vacancy and will join Tyne Valley rivals Prudhoe Youth Club and Hexham in the division.

It has been a rapid rise through the footballing ranks for Haltwhistle who lifted the Tyneside Amateur League crown last season, joining Division Two of the Alliance instead of the Development Division and then making the step up after their debut campaign.

Read more in this week's Hexham Courant.