Chairman Dave Netherstreet believes Tonbridge Angels have taken "a huge step forward" after being given planning permission to install a 3G pitch at Longmead.

The club were given approval by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council to replace their grass pitch on Thursday.

A club statement said funding for the majority of the £700,000 project is now in place, with Newbury-based S & C Slatter having been chosen to carry out the installation.

The contractors will start work on Tuesday, May 2 - the day after the Angels’ final home league game of the season against Eastbourne Borough.

It is expected work will be completed in time for the 2022/23 season.

In a club statement, Angels chairman Netherstreet said: “This is a huge step forward for the club, arguably the biggest since the first Angels competitive game back in 1948 or our move to Longmead in 1980.

“I would like to thank Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council for their support which has been absolutely crucial, and congratulate S & C Slatter on winning the installation contract.

"Sincere thanks must also go to the Angels Investors who have been prepared to come on board and be part of this enormously exciting project.

“As a supporter-owned club, facilitation of the investor scheme has worked incredibly well but, nonetheless, the board takes nothing for granted and are amazed at people’s loyalty and affection towards Tonbridge Angels FC.

“Myself and the current board members are simply custodians of this fantastic club, but we want to ensure that future generations, whether they play or simply watch and support, will be able to enjoy a sporting hub of excellence for many decades to come.”

The possibility of switching to 3G was first mooted two years ago after Tonbridge were hit by a string of postponements before the club applied for planning permission earlier this year.

The club say youth, disability, women’s, walking and veterans teams all stand to benefit from the pitch, as well as the first-team.

Anyone still interested in becoming an “Angels Investor” by purchasing a season ticket at the current rate for three, four or five years in advance - getting twice-yearly exclusive dinner events with the board and team management and acknowledged on the club’s Angels Investor board in the 1948 Suite in return - can do so by contacting Phil Broad.

Mr Broad is available on 07962 018120 or by emailing phil.broad@tonbridgeangels.co.uk.

Tonbridge are 17th in National League South, six points ahead of basement boys Welling, having beaten the Wings 1-0 on Saturday with eight league fixtures to play.