SUPPORTERS have been praised as a high-profile security operation ensured Kidderminster Harriers' Third Division curtain-raiser was a success.

Police said "99 per cent" of the 5,122 crowd packed into Aggborough to witness Saturday's history-making match with Torquay United were well behaved as months of planning came to fruition.

Traders were pleased with the police presence in the town in the hours before the match, while the newly installed closed circuit television system at the stadium was singled out for particular praise.

Insp Steve Craig, of Kidderminster Police, said the cameras had led to one arrest for an incident unconnected with the game.

He added: "We weren't expecting too many problems for this game. We were happy with 99 per cent of both the home and away supporters.

"New legislation and security measures are the weapons in our armoury now the club is in the Football League."

Club safety officer Peter Picken said he was "delighted" with the new facilities at the club, including the temporary control room, and that the CCTV system had enabled the club to identify a "very small number" of potential troublemakers.

Stewards were drafted in from neighbouring Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion as the club still needs about 20 new recruits to make a full quota.

Comberton Hill, identified as a potential flashpoint area for trouble, saw a large police presence thanks to special constables.

Bob Davies, of the hill's traders' association, said he had been happy with the outcome of consultation with police prior to the game.

"So far policing has been very good - I'm keeping everything crossed that this will continue," he said.

Bill Campbell, landlord of the Railway Bell on Comberton Hill, also raised a glass to the successful day.

He said: "If the fans behave like they did on Saturday all season then there will be no problems.

"The Torquay fans were brilliant, although I will continue to liaise with police before each match as I've been involved in football long enough to know not to drop my guard."