ROVERS' promotion to the Dr Martens Western completes a proud double for sport in the town.

This season has seen both the town's football club and rugby club achieve promotion.

Bromsgrove Rugby Club started it all off by winning the Midlands Two West championship in April after a nail-biting final game showdown victory at Old Laurentian.

The Finstall Park side is now looking forward to playing its rugby in Midlands One, the highest level in the club's history.

And last weekend, Bromsgrove Rovers received clarification of their promotion to the Dr Martens Western league after finishing second in the Midland Football Alliance.

That in itself marks an incredible turnaround for Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side who could only have dreamed of such a moment 12 months ago when the club was teetering on collapse.

The club is already reporting an interest in season tickets for the 2002/2003 campaign.

Bromsgrove Sports Council chairman Athol Deakin believes the success of both clubs can only be positive for the town.

He said: "These achievements are outstanding for the town.

"I think it's absolutely excellent news and I wholeheartedly congratulate both clubs on their achievement this year."

As a result of their championship-winning success, the rugby club is looking to capitalise and attract the youth of Bromsgrove into the set up.

"The rugby club are looking to continue to improve their facilities and infrastructure," Mr Deakin added. "It can only be a good thing for the youngsters in the town."

Mr Deakin also believes Rovers have turned a corner and that the good times are returning to the Victoria Ground.

He said: "When Rovers were on top a few years ago there was a buzz in the town and I think that is coming back."