Thousands of fans welcomed the team back from Wembley

Players and staff toured the city in two open-topped buses before meeting more supporters at Pride Park stadium.

The streets were so busy it took the buses more than an hour and a half to reach the ground.

Manager Billy Davies said: "It's absolutely fantastic to look at the fans, to look at their happy faces."

The Rams beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley to return to the Premiership after five years in the lower division.

"It's a fantastic honour and we're all delighted to be here," added Davies from the top deck of the bus.

Stephen Pearson, who scored the winning goal, was just as enthusiastic about the fans' welcome.

"I'm delighted to have scored and delighted for everybody here."

Supporters took up positions on all floors of a multi-storey car park to get a glimpse of the team as they moved slowly through the city.

Thousands more greeted the Rams on their arrival at Pride Park where they were introduced individually to the crowd before going to a civic reception.