Harrogate Town has defended a major hike in prices for their new season with general admission charges rising from £7 to £10.

But the club say the rise is necessary to meet increased costs of competing in the newly-established Conference North League.

Town managing director Nigel Pleasants said the additional costs of travelling and ground improvements were just some of the extra costs being faced by the club.

Mr Pleasants said rises had been backed by members of the Supporters' Club at its recent annual meeting.

The Town chief pointed out that pensioners would pay £5 with children under 12 accompanied by an adult getting in free.

Some supporters have already been critical of the large increase, saying they could ration their visits to Wetherby Road, particularly when two matches are played in a week.

Supporters' Club secretary Phil Harrison said the increases had been put before the annual meeting. But when the matter came to a show of hands the rises won unanimous support.

Harrogate Town's season starts in the newly-formed league on August 14.