Kevin Bocquet BBC News, Liverpool

At 6.10 am, the first of 42 chartered aircraft from Istanbul touched down at Liverpool's John Lennon airport.

The celebrations have only just begun for Liverpool fans

The supporters disembarked, bleary but triumphant, still reliving every dramatic minute of Wednesday's game.

"It was brilliant, fantastic," whispered Gareth Parry-Jones from Buckley in North Wales, his voice a distant memory after a night of non-stop shouting.

"At the end of the match, there was bedlam, absolute pandemonium. People were hugging each other, going mad. It was crazy."

The fans were returning to a city inspired by the triumph of one of their two Premiership clubs.

Throughout the night, the city centre was packed with revellers celebrating Liverpool's victory.

The noise was deafening, with car horns hooting, and fans singing endless renditions of the club anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone".

It was the greatest game I've ever seen Paul Jones Liverpool fan

For one supporter, success had a special significance.

Paul Jones, from Kirkby, had attended one previous European Cup Final, Liverpool's ill-fated match against Juventus at the Heysel Stadium in Belgium, 20 years ago this month.

That match ended in tragedy, with 39 Italian fans crushed to death after Liverpool supporters had gone on the rampage, breaking through a crowd barrier.

It was one of the darkest days in Liverpool's history.

"That was the worst night of my life. Last night was the best," said Mr Jones.

"It was the greatest game I've ever seen. To come back from 3-0 down, against one of the best teams in the world, showed huge strength of character".

Long night ahead

Most of the returning fans were heading straight to bed to snatch a few hours sleep before resuming celebrations.

The Liverpool squad touched down in the middle of the afternoon, before embarking on an open-top bus homecoming parade through the city.

Hundreds of thousands of people turned out to greet them.

Another long night of celebration lies ahead.