WORCESTER City have increased their season ticket and general admission prices in a bid to sustain a Blue Square Bet North play-off challenge.

The St George’s Lane club want to build on their seventh place finish this term and have aspirations of again being in the promotion mix.

An adult season ticket costs £252 to sit and £216 to stand, up £32 and £16 respectively, while for concessions (overs 60s) it is £180 to sit and £144 to stand, an increase of £30 and £14.

Season tickets for under 16s cost £20, while under 21s can get one for £90.

Matchday admission is up across the board, meaning it will now cost £14 for adults to sit and £12 to stand with concessions £10 and £8.

However, there is an early bird offer, which works out at the equivalent of six free games, for season tickets bought until July 31 with a further 10 per cent reduction if purchased between now and June 4.

It is the first time City have put up prices since 2010 after freezing levels last year despite VAT rising to 20 per cent.

A statement said the club regretted the increase but had no choice if they were to remain competitive.

It added: “An increase in revenue will ensure Carl (Heeley) can maintain his playing budget for our last season at the Lane and build a squad capable of pushing for honours next season.

“Carl has already secured the services of a number of key players for next season and is continuing to look to strengthen the squad.”

For more details, call the club on 01905-23003.