SUNDERLAND'S journey to the Premiership has been long and arduous but, last night, the final leg of the club's trip to the top-flight was undoubtedly the most enjoyable.

From Cardiff to Crewe and Plymouth to Preston, the club's supporters have travelled the length and breadth of the land, cheering their heroes to promotion.

So, given the opportunity to fill Sunderland city centre in recognition of the Black Cats' achievements, more than 50,000 jubilant fans were never going to let their idols down.

From the Civic Centre to the banks of the Wear, Sunderland's promotion express made its final journey of a momentous and memorable campaign. It was by far the most poignant.

Thirty-two years ago, Bob Stokoe's side also travelled up a Fawcett Street bedecked in red and white ribbons and balloons, celebrating their shock FA Cup final victory over Leeds.

Mick McCarthy's current generation were celebrating a similarly surprising success and, with the promise of Premiership football to cheer, the scenes were every bit as delirious.

Unsurprisingly, red and white stretched as far as the eye could see. The fact that every man, woman and child was wearing club colours was impressive enough - when even the city's dogs are sporting Sunderland strips, you really know something special has happened.

The Alsatian on the entrance to Wearmouth Bridge stood as proudly as any Black Cats' fan. Two years ago, when Sunderland tumbled out of the top-flight, the club had gone to the dogs. Now, they are back with the pedigree performers of the Premiership.

Filing onto the bus outside of the Civic Centre - with a group of Footballers' Wives in tow - Sunderland's players seemed taken aback by the fans' rapturous reception.

It is hardly surprising. Last season, defender Neill Collins was playing for Scottish minnows Dumbarton. A bus tour there meant he couldn't afford the car parking prices next to the ground.

Skirting Mowbray Park, the promotion winners took turns to hold the Championship trophy above their head. With fans clambering onto any vantage point available - bay windows and bus stops were all fair game - each player was given his own personal serenade.

Julio Arca proved the most popular, although Marcus Stewart - who played his final game for the club last Sunday - received the loudest and most heartfelt cheer. The striker was signed to try to keep Sunderland in the Premiership - it is ironic that he is now leaving, having played a key role in taking them back there.

As the procession entered Borough Road, a brass band took over at the head of affairs. Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever" heralded the players' arrival in Fawcett Street, but this was a night when stars in stripes were the main attraction.

As the tour came to a halt outside the Stadium of Light, McCarthy and his players took one last chance to soak up the carnival atmosphere.

Two years ago, the ground was silent as the Black Cats lost 4-0 to Arsenal in their final game of the season. Last night, the noise will have been noted at 19 other Premiership venues. Sunderland are back in the big time.