Durham County Cricket Club players were feted as sporting heroes when they were given two civic receptions yesterday.

The players, who have just recorded the most successful season in their 125-year history, began their victory tour with a trip from their home at The Riverside, in Chester-le-Street, to the town's market place a mile away.

Players, coaches and managers travelling in an open-topped bus were greeted at the town's Civic Heart by crowds of cheering schoolchildren, well-wishers and dignitaries.

They arrived holding their first piece of silverware - won after beating Hampshire Hawks in the Friends Provident Trophy Final, at Lord's, in August. They also received a cup for winning Division 2 of the NatWest Pro40 league, earning them promotion to Division 1.

They narrowly missed out on the biggest prize, the LV County Championship, being pipped by Sussex on the last day of the season.

Several of the players missed yesterday's presentation as they were on England duty in Sri Lanka.

The team were joined yesterday by their chairman, Clive Leach and chief executive David Harker and were met by the council's leader, Councillor Allen Humes, with music provided by The Chester-le-Street Youth Brass Academy.

Mr Leach said: "We are delighted we can bring something back to County Durham.

"We have worked hard and there are lot of people who can lay claim to it - our backroom staff, our coaching staff, but most of all, the players, who had a fantastic season."

Coach Geoff Cook said: "The season has been blessed in lots of ways. Weather was good, so we never missed a lot of cricket, we had luck when it was needed on the field - and it all added up and we played some powerful cricket towards the end of the year."

Coun Humes said: "We are delighted to host this event in Chester-le-Street's Civic Heart to celebrate Durham County Cricket Club's excellent performance this season.

"I think it is quite fitting that we've also invited local schools to attend, for they represent the next generation of champions."

The party travelled to County Hall, in Durham City, where they were welcomed by Durham County Council chairman, Councillor Edna Hunter, with an autograph session for schoolchildren.

The team was last night due at Durham County Cricket Club's end of season dinner and awards night, at the Newcastle Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel.