Rockies’ chairman Steve Coffen told the Independent Online: “We’re extremely happy with this news, it allows us to put many disastrous years behind us. Moving forward, it creates a massive stability for the club, we can now financially project for the long-term future.

“Thanks to all the councillors for their support in helping us reach this agreement, especially Brie Logan for her personal assistance in helping with this matter.

“I’d like to also thank all the Directors for their positive approach to the discussions.”

Shaftesbury Town Council released the following statement: “The council is delighted to announce that a long-term partnership with the Directors of Shaftesbury Football Club has been formed. After months of working together to find a sustainable future for the football club, Shaftesbury Town Council recently agreed on a 25-year lease to enable and support the management team to reach their aspirations as laid out in the business plan.

“The Directors and club committee have worked tirelessly over the past three years to support the Shaftesbury Football teams and have had a fantastic couple of seasons with the first-team gaining back to back promotions and now play in the Wessex Premier League for the first time in the club history”.