The updating of the club's Mill Lane ground is moving ahead and on the field the Pikes have lined up a number of interesting pre-season friendlies.

Pickering start their pre-season campaign with an away game at Huntington Rovers on July 14, which will be followed by clashes against Stokesley, Hutton Cranswick, Barton Town, Scarborough Athletic and Whitby Town.

Chairman Tony Dunning said: "Things are coming together nicely, there are a number of positives for the club.

"Planning has gone in for the extension of the main stand and we are also working on a number of other criteria that we must meet to move into the Unibond League.

"I have spoken to manager Mark Wood about a few things and he is happy with how things are going.

"We are hoping to retain all of last season's squad and add a few new faces in as well.

"We have some decent friendlies lined up, now we are just waiting to get things going."

The constitution for the premier division, which also includes Bridlington Town after their relegation from the Unibond League division one North, was finalised at last weekend's NCE League annual general meeting in Scarborough.

Northern Counties East League Premier Division set-up: Armthorpe Welfare, Arnold Town, Bridlington Town - from Unibond League division one North, Brodsworth Welfare, Dinnington Town - from NCE Division One, Eccleshill United, Hallam, Hall Road Rangers - from NCE Division One, Lincoln Moorlands Railway, Liversedge, Long Eaton United, Maltby Main, Mickleover Sports, Nostell Miners Welfare, Parkgate, Pickering Town, Selby Town, Shirebrook Town, Thackley, Winterton Rangers.