North-East clubs in the UniBond League Premier Division will be relieved they don't have to play in the First Division next season.

The National Leagues committee has announced membership of the First Division, with teams stretching from Colwyn Bay in North Wales across to North Ferriby on Humberside, and from Ossett in Yorkshire down to Willenhall near Wolverhampton.

The provisional list of First Division clubs is; Belper, Brigg, Chorley, Clitheroe, Colwyn Bay, Eastwood Town, Gresley Rovers, Ilkeston, Kendal, Kidsgrove, Mossley, North Ferriby, Ossett Albion, Ossett Town, Rocester, Rossendale, Shepshed Dynamo, Spalding, Stocksbridge, Warrington, Willenhall, Woodley Sports.

However, the travelling won't be so far in the Premier where the longest trips iwill be to Leek in Staffordshire and Alfreton in Derbyshire.

Bishop Auckland pair Stuart Irvine and Shaun Hope shared the awards at the club's player of the Year awards which were held last week.

Irvine won the committee's award and the supporters' award, while Hope won the awards from the players and the website.

Manager Brian Honour said: "They've both had a very good season.

"Stuart managed to score 25 goals, which is a fantastic number from wide left, and Shaun played well in three positions for us - in the centre of defence, midfield and up front."

Bishops have arranged to play Darlington at Spennymoor on Tuesday, July 20.

Spennymoor manager Tony Lee was delighted with the turn-out at a recent fans' night at the Brewery Field.

"Lots of fans came forward to help the club," said Lee.

"We had several volunteers for the committee, and others offered to help in various ways.

"We're trying now to get some fund raising organised through a working committee, which is the basis of a successful club."

Lee has also got several players in mind for next season, saying: "I've got my eyes on a few."