ACCRINGTON Stanley fans are celebrating after the club secured its league status for another season.

Chairman Eric Whalley said it felt better than promotion, while local dignitaries hailed it as "great news" for the town.

But Hyndburn Council Leader Peter Britcliffe urged residents to show the team more support next season after a disappointing average gate of just over 2,200.

Accrington Stanley beat relegation rivals Macclesfield on Saturday to ensure their safety.

After the euphoria of last year's historic promotion back to the Football League after 44 years, the team were in danger of a swift return to non-league football.

But after triumphing 3-2 thanks to two Andy Proctor goals Stanley can now look forward to another season in League Two.

Mr Whalley said: "This feels better than when we won the league last year.

"It would have been a disaster if we'd gone back down after 44 years.

"Now we can take huge steps forward. We'll be hopefully signing one or two players and the pressure's on for next year."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said: "It is fantastic news that Stanley are staying up.

"John Coleman said this was their biggest ever game and I agree. It was so important.

"It would be great if they could build on this season and mount a challenge for promotion next."

Coun Britcliffe celebrated the result with the manager and Mr Whalley on Saturday night.

He said: "It is such a relief. It means such a lot to have Stanley in the Football League and it would have been such a disappointment for them to return to the conference after just one year.

"They are probably the worst supported club in the league and it is a worry.

"It is very difficult for them to improve if there is so few people coming through the turnstiles each week."