THERE were cheers, applause and raucous terrace chants - but most of all there was just an immense pride.

This afternoon thousands joined in Spennymoor Town's victory parade - many sporting team shirts or swirling black and white scarves and flags.

Shouts of congratulations rang out as the players, aboard an open-top vintage bus, passed by - leaving a sea of grinning faces in their wake.

They were smiles of joy and pride in what this team has achieved for the town, a feat which will live long in the memory.

"I scored at Wembley and this has just capped it all for me," said star striker Gavin Cogdon, who grabbed the opener in Saturday's 2-1 win over Tunbridge Wells.

"I wasn't expecting anything like this. It is superb and shows what we have achieved and what it means to everyone."

"It's been an unforgettable week for all of us."

Spennymoor was so united in marking the Ebac Northern League club's famous victory that even Tudhoe Cricket Club paused its match to applaud the footballers.

Delirious fans had earlier gathered at the club's Brewery Field ground to mob the players, including goal heroes Cogdon and Keith Graydon, as they arrived.

Progress of the bus slowed to catch the waiting fans' congratulations - along with chants of 'Bring on the Moors' - as it wound its way through Spennymoor and neighbouring villages before depositing its VIP passengers at a town hall red carpet reception.

"I've never seen so many people come out to congratulate a team for winning a cup," said manager Jason Ainsley, who has been involved with the club for 25 years.

"I thought there might be a few people out but, wow, this is unbelievable. It was brilliant to win the FA Vase and it's for the whole town.

"To see some many Spennymoor scarves and tops is incredible. It's the stuff that dreams are made of."

Families posed for photos to mark the historic homecoming - with many still recovering from their Wembley experience and the long trip back from the capital.

Moors fan Stoyan Barrett, 49, said: "I was at the game and I'm very proud. I could not believe it when we won.

"The fans have come out to show how proud we are of the players and the management. Hundreds of clubs enter this competition but we won it."

Fellow supporter Tony Attle, 54, said: "It's a bit of history for the town and for the Northern League. It's great that Spennymoor has won it.

"It's great for the football club and it's also provided a boost for the town."

Mayor of Spennymoor, George Tolley, was born close to Brewery Field and has close links to the club.

"It's been unbelievable," he said. "I always wanted to go to Wembley with my home town team and now I've done it.

"It's exciting to see so many people out waving flags and scarves. It's brought home what it means to the town and to the people of Spennymoor."