MORECAMBE have been repaid for their final-day heroics with a pre-season friendly at home to Bury.

Jim Bentley’s side, who played a big part in the Shakers' promotion to League One, will host them at the Globe Arena on Friday, July 24, kick off 7.30pm.

Two other pre-season fixtures have also been announced, with Bury travelling to Vanarama National League side Macclesfield on Wednesday, July 22 (7.30pm) and at home to Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday, July 28 (7.45pm).

While the chance to take on Championship opposition in Rovers will surely stoke the interest of Shakers supporters, there will almost certainly be a good demand for tickets to the Morecambe fixture.

The Shrimps set up Bury’s dramatic promotion from League Two on the final day of the season with a 3-1 victory over their main rivals Southend, a result that allowed the Shakers to sneak above them into the top three with a victory at Tranmere.

Morecambe could well prove to be a decent yardstick of Bury's development as they prepare for life at a higher level.

Bentley's side did the double over David Flitcroft's men last season, winning 1-0 at the Globe Arena in November before coming from behind to beat them 2-1 at the JD Stadium on Easter Monday.

Bury also have a big connection with Macclesfield, their first opponents in pre-season, who are coached by former fans’ favourite Efe Sodje.

The Shakers are expected to announce further friendlies later this week, with a date yet to be confirmed for their annual fixture at Radcliffe Borough, while the club is still to reveal details of a possible summer tour following their successful trip to Tenerife last year.