Deva Athletic are relishing the step up to the Premier Division after sealing the Chester & District Football League Division One title.

Deva – formed as Chester Teachers – pipped Porky’s Pantry to the title on the final afternoon of the season, clinching a third successive promotion.

Manager Will Lowe said: "It has been a challenging but successful season and I am delighted we have been crowned Division One champions after all the hard work the lads have put in."

Deva’s squad still comprises largely of teachers from the Chester area and the club came through a rocky patch in February and March when work commitments and injuries began to bite.

Club captain Dave Sabri, an assistant headteacher at Blacon High School, said: "It has been an extremely tough season for us this year, having to play the vast majority of it without a recognised striker.

"We know next year will be a huge challenge for us and we are looking at improving our squad in order to compete with the outstanding opposition in the top league.”

Chairman Chris Timms, deputy headteacher at St Oswald’s Primary School, added: “We’re constantly looking for new players at the club, and to improve as a squad."