RUNCORN Linnets are breaking open the bubbly as the toast of the town after becoming members of the North West Counties League.

The fledgling club formed by disaffected fans of Runcorn FC Halton, who appear to have folded, will begin life in the second flight of the Moore and Co Construction League.

The champagne moment came on Saturday when Linnets were one of three new teams admitted into a 19-team Division Two at the league's AGM.

After eight weeks getting the new outfit up and running, officials know the hard work starts all over again to help the club meet its short-and long-term goals.

Shirt-sponsorship talks are 'in progress' and the club has been encouraged by responses from other businesses.

Press officer Steve Pritchard said: 'Obviously, we are happy that we have been accepted into the league.

'Our current focus is to get the commercial side in good order and get on to the business of football.'

A public meeting is being held at the Quayside function rooms in Canal Street, Runcorn, tomorrow (Friday) at 7.15pm to update everyone on progress and requirements.

There will be a separate presentation by one of the club's commercial partners, I-Syndicates, which runs a draw linked to the National Lottery.

Linnets will be affiliated to the Cheshire FA - initially as tenants of Witton Albion.

They will 'hopefully' be included in the Cheshire Senior Cup for the coming campaign.

But there will be no FA Cup place in their first two seasons - although entry into the FA Vase is anticipated for 2007-08

Pritchard added: 'A working group to get the club back to Runcorn as soon as possible will be set up soon.'

Season tickets will also be on sale shortly and although admission prices 'aren't yet set in stone', the club is looking at £5 for adults and £3 concessions.

League fixtures have still to be released but Linnets have been paired at home in the NWC Challenge Cup (Holker Old Boys, October

14) and NWC Division Two Cup (Castleton Gabriels, December 2).

Congratulations have flooded in from other clubs including Cammell Laird - promoted from NWC One last season - who said: 'Runcorn is too big a town not to have a senior footy team. Go out there and do the town proud.'

Runcorn Football Supporters Club's AGM will be at the Quayside on Tuesday, July 18 (7.30pm). Nominations for the committee should reach secretary Susan Bell, 18 Croasdale Drive, Beechwood, Run-corn WA7 2RJ, by Tuesday, July 4.