Barrow's current and former MPs have congratulated the town's professional football club on achieving their goal of surviving in the Football League.

A 2-0 win over Forest Green Rovers means Barrow AFC will be playing in League Two again next season, with former MP John Woodcock – now in the upper chamber as Lord Walney – ‘looking forward’ to a Holker Street return for fans.

He said: "I am chuffed to bits for the club and most of all the fans who will now finally get the chance to see the team playing in the Football League in the flesh at Holker Street.

“It would have been so cruel if the fans had been deprived of going to Football League games by relegation during the Covid restrictions after their 48-year wait.

“Many congratulations to the players, I’m looking forward to joining the crowds next season as we hopefully put the nightmare of lockdown behind us.”

Simon Fell, Barrow's current MP, has also praised the club following their successful survival bid.

He said: “Massive congratulations to Rob Kelly and the whole team at Barrow AFC.

“The battle to say up has been hard found and is very, very well deserved.”

Goals from Scott Quigley and Bobby Thomas ensured the Bluebirds left Gloucestershire with all three points and confirmed another Football League season with Southend United and now-relegated Grimsby Town unable to catch Rob Kelly’s team.

Under the Government’s roadmap, Bluebirds supporters could be allowed back into Holker Street and finally watch Barrow AFC play league football again when the 2021/22 campaign begins in August.