A junior football club has been given a licence to sell alcohol in the stands during a derby match.

Ayrshire side Irvine Meadow will be allowed to sell alcohol to supporters in the terraces during their match with local rivals Irvine Vics later this month.

The sale of alcohol at professional football grounds during designated matches in Scotland has been illegal since 1980.

The ban was brought in after the Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Celtic but alcohol can be served in corporate hospitality areas of football stadiums.

Irvine Meadow will be able to sell beer and cider between 6pm and 9pm at their Meadow Park ground on Friday, August 19, after being granted an occasional licence.

The decision was made after consultation between the club, Police Scotland and North Ayrshire's licensing board, which agreed drinks can be sold in plastic glasses in a designated area.

The council said there were no objections to the application and it was granted this week.

A statement from Irvine Meadow said: "The Police and Licensing Board have approved an outside bar at the Marymass Derby.

"It will be located on the terracing between the stand and the Wilson Avenue end and will only be selling beer and cider in plastic glasses, alcoholic drinks can only be consumed in this area.

"The social club will be open on Marymass Friday but with a limited capacity."

A spokeswoman for North Ayrshire Council said: "As a premises licence holder for the sale of alcohol, Irvine Meadow XI Football Club are entitled to apply for an occasional licence for the temporary sale of alcohol.

"They have been granted this temporary licence for a one-off event on Friday, August 19, between 6pm and 9pm. The licence is for the area described as 'Terraced area beside main stand'.

"The decision was made in accordance with the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, whereby their application was publicly advertised online for seven days and was considered by both Police Scotland and the licensing standards officer.

"There were no objections or representations and the Licence was granted under the Scheme of Delegated Powers approved by the Licensing Board."