BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent have passed their ground grading – paving the way for them to try and gain promotion.

The high-flying Tendring club received the green light yesterday after being told their vastly-improved North Road ground is fit for Ryman League football.

An official from the league visited yesterday morning, to make sure the venue meets all the necessary criteria for step four football.

And it means that assuming the club finish in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division’s top three, they will head up to Ryman League division one north.

“It’s been a monumental effort,” said chairman Terry Doherty.