AFC Telford United are celebrating a £6,000 bonus payment – with chairman Lee Carter declaring: “It will make a big difference.”

The Bucks have benefited from a £1m donation made by the Barclays Premier League to clubs in the top three divisions of non-League football.

Each Blue Square Premier club will receive £30,000, with clubs a level down in the North and South divisions – including Telford – eligible for £6,000.

“The payment has been made by the Premier League into a fund for the Football Conference,” said Carter.

“It’s a nice gesture and they didn’t have to do it.

“It’s a big boost for us and I’m not sure people realise how big a difference £6,000 will make to the profit and loss account to a football club at this level.

“It will go into the day-to-day running of the club and we are very grateful for it.”

Meanwhile, Carter has revealed the club have taken measures to boost attendances after a drop in crowds this season.

More than 4,000 free tickets have been given to children in the Telford area which are valid for games in October and November.

“The crowds are not a major concern at the moment,” he added.

“What it has done is give us a poke in the ribs that we have to work hard.

“We can’t be complacent that people want to come and watch their local football team and we have to keep banging the AFC Telford United drum.

“The performances on the pitch are the greatest enticement for any football club looking to get people to their games.

“The manager and players looked more relaxed around the club at training last night so hopefully we can build on our second half performance from Saturday (in the 1-1 draw with Eastwood).”

By JAMES GARRISON