FOOTBALL club chiefs were celebrating today after plans to create a 21st Century stadium were kept in play by city councillors.

The 6,000-capacity Worcester City ground is now one step nearer, after councillors last night gave their support, in principle, for plans for the Nunnery Way ground with an "enabling" development.

The new state-of-the-art stadium should become a focus for communities and a centre of excellence, according to city leaders.

The "yes" vote means the project team can now begin to fully investigate the site's potential, possibly as soon as the New Year.

They will compile a report on the feasibility of building on a site at Nunnery Way, and then submit detailed plans on the joint development to city planners.

"I'd like to thank the councillors for their support in this proposal and hope to start investigating the site's potential as soon as possible," said Worcester City FC chairman Dr Mike Sorensen.

"This result is excellent news for the club, supporters and the community. At last, I feel we're moving in a positive direction."

Coun Martin Clarke told last night's full council meeting: "We do support the football club in their attempt to provide a viable ground in Worcester."

Coun Michael Francis expressed the hope any new ground could become a "centre of excellence".

The Local Plan, which outlines any future developments in the city, already has a football stadium earmarked for the Nunnery Way site, but not a retail development alongside. The blue and whites, however, cannot fund the stadium alone.

Any alterations to the Local Plan will be discussed in March next year.