Burnley fans at promotion parade

Thousands of people lined the streets to watch Burnley Football Club's players celebrate promotion to the Premier League.

Burnley returned to English football's top flight for the first time since 1976 after beating Sheffield United 1-0 in the Championship play-off final.

Victorious players and club officials were cheered by fans as they paraded through the town on open-top buses.

A champagne reception was then held at Burnley Town Hall.

Fans including Alistair Campbell, Tony Blair's former spokesperson, were among those at the reception.

Steve Rumbelow, Burnley Council's Chief Executive, said: "From the manager to the players, the boardroom to the fans, Burnley Football Club are the borough's heroes.

"It is an honour to be hosting a civic reception in their name and a pleasure to give them the opportunity to thank their fans in a way that they would wish."

Wade Elliott scored the winning goal for Burnley, taking them to promotion.

The Turf Moor club's move is expected to bring about £60m of revenue into the town.

One ardent fan said: "It makes absolutely brilliant reading for not only Burnley football club but for the town, Burnley as a whole.

"We need some good news and this is absolutely brilliant for east Lancashire."

The buses set off from Turf Moor at 1900 BST and headed along Yorkshire Street, Centenary Way and Finsley Gate before arriving at the town hall.

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