Kent League chairman Denise Richmond has announced ambitious plans to run a step 6 division.

The Kent League's Premier Division currently operates at step 5 in the non-league pyramid.

But forming a step 6 division will help bridge the gap to the Kent County League at step 7, and assist clubs in improving their facilities through additional funding.

"We need to look at how we can develop a division at Step 6 level to help more clubs move up the pyramid," said Ms Richmond, who hopes the new division could be up and running by the start of the 2009/10 season.

"At Step 6, there is additional funding available to improve facilities. We’re in regular contact with the FA and are currently working to see if we can find a solution."

Addressing the Kent League's presentation evening on Saturday, Ms Richmond said that the Kent League was now being seen as pro-active after their innovative approach of bringing in Holmesdale last season.

"No other league in the country had done that before and it wasn’t on the agenda for many Step 5 leagues so it was a bold move on our part," she added.

"It has changed the way leagues and clubs at our level think now.

"The good news is that by being in the Kent League, Holmesdale were able to secure funding and their floodlights are being installed this month."