THE Chester & District League continues to go from strength to strength.

It was reported at the league’s AGM that nine new teams will be joining the competition for the 2012-13 season, bringing the total up to 51 across four divisions.

The league put the increase down to the hard work of its officers in implementing the FA’s ‘Respect’ programme and for its close working relationship with the West Cheshire League.

Before the AGM began, all present stood to show their respect to life member Albert Davies, who died aged 91 earlier this year.

The winners of the Dennis Moulton Memorial Shield were Lache FC.

The prize is awarded in recognition of the officials who make their club a welcoming place for their opponents.

Lache, who were hailed for their outstanding work and commitment to both the league and local community, will also be given free entry into the 2013-14 campaign.

Hoole Rangers, Cestrian Alex, Rangers Breaks, and Arrowe Park were the divisional winners of the award.

Fair play awards were presented to Crossway, Cestrian Alex and Tarvin 2000 Athletic.

It was announced on the night that Claire House Children’s Hospice will be the league’s official charity next season, which gets under way on Monday, August 20.

The league formation is as follows:

Premier Division: Kelsall, Waggon & Horses, Kelma, Hoole Rangers, Tarvin 2000 Athletic, Frog (previously Cross Foxes), Greyhound Inn (previously Blacon Youth Club Highfield), Ellesmere Port 3rds, Whitby Athletic (previously Groves Sports & Social Club), Levers Athletic, Crossway, Newton Villa (previously Peacock 09), Shaftesbury Youth Club.

Division One: Raby Villa, Halfwayhouse Celtic, Uberlube, Orange Athletic, Chester Nomads 3rds, Chester Celtic, Ashton, Cestrian Alex, Hoole Rangers Reserves, Lache, FC Village, Groves, Barcode Athletic.

Division Two: Neston Nomads, Lodge Bar, Boughton Athletic, Peacock 09 (previously Peacock 09 Reserves), Rangers Breaks, Crossway Reserves, Orange Athletic 2nds, Birkenhead Town (previously Arrowe Park), Helsby Reserves (previously Elton Rigger), Seven Stiles, Ellesmere Port Town, Shippons (previously Ridgewood Rangers), Central Park.

Division Three: Bronze Social, Oldershaw, Chester Athletic, Frog Reserves, Boot, Wallasey Athletic, MSC Eastham, Deva Athletic, Blacon Youth Club Reserves, Grosvenor Arms, Bromborough Rake, Oyster.