The club have been offered £16,567 by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund to add to the £13,500 it has collected through fundraising.

Walters hopes another £12,000 will finally see the new lights become a reality and issued a rallying cry for a final fundraising push.

"We are enormously grateful to everyone who has been involved in the fundraising so far, and in particular our supporters' club and youth section," he said.

"We must now make a big effort to secure the additional funds required and would ask everyone with an interest in the club to do what they can, whether in the form of donations or by getting involved in the fundraising activities that will be arranged over the next few months."

And boss Tony Dolby was also chuffed by the news. "A lot of people have worked exceptionally hard and hopefully we can see the project all the way through," he said.

Anyone who can help with the floodlights campaign should call 01424 444635 or email club@hastingsunitedfc.co.uk