Seasiders in victory parade on promenade

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Blackpool celebrates its heroes

Blackpool's footballing heroes have taken part in a victory parade along the town's promenade to celebrate their promotion to the Premier League.

The Seasiders won the Championship play-off against Cardiff on Saturday.

Thousands of fans lined the famous prom to greet manager Ian Holloway and his players for their triumphant homecoming.

More than 35,000 Blackpool fans travelled to Wembley for the final - a quarter of the town's population.

The game, which the team won 3-2, was said to be worth £90m to the Lancashire club.

'Amazing achievement'

Manager Ian Holloway addressed the crowd from a specially erected stage and screen.

He said: "Please stick with us. We're going to attack the Premier League, not defend it because that ain't no good.

"We're trying to score goals and play entertaining football. These boys have won nine games out of the last 11."

Peter Callow, leader of Blackpool Council, said: "Blackpool is now part of the world's most successful football league.

"It is an amazing achievement and one that has secured a huge economic boost for the town.

"It is an honour to be hosting the Triumphant Tangerines Tour."

The victory bus set off from Blackpool's Gynn Square and travelled from North Shore down the promenade to the Waterloo Headland, near South Pier.