CROWDS of triumphant supporters lined the streets of Burnley to catch a glimpse of their promotion-winning heroes as they toured the town on a night of glory.

Thousands of fans gathered along the route from Eastern Avenue as players, directors and staff from Turf Moor travelled in an open top double deck bus. They were greeted at the town hall by the Mayor, Coun Eddie Fisk, who is a life-long Clarets supporter, and Mayoress Coun Pat Chadwick.

The throng of chanting supporters was treated to a surprise appearance on the town hall balcony firstly by manager Stan Ternent and chairman Barry Kilby followed by each member of the team.

Traffic was stopped through the town as two buses, containing the team, directors and families, were greeted by a constant stream of claret and blue-clad fans.

Fans dodged traffic to swarm on to Briercliffe roundabout and to get the best view from on top of walls, bus shelters and street signs along the route.

The hour-long Division One glory parade began at Turf Moor and continued along Belvedere Road, Eastern Avenue, Casterton Avenue, Colne Road, Active Way and Queen's Lancashire Way.

People turned out in force at the town hall, working their way through most of their match-day songs and drowning out the chimes of the town hall clock.

But the entertainer of the night was last Saturday's winning goal hero Glen Little, who joined in the singing and conducted the fans with a claret and blue flag from the top of the bus, where the team remained for up to ten minutes. Captain Steve Davis took to the microphone and received a loud cheer when he said: "This promotion is as much for you as it is for us -- and we will see Blackburn Rovers next season."

Director Ray Ingleby threw his scarf into the crowd.

Stephen Clegg, 13, of Harle Syke, who watched the proceedings from outside the town hall said: "It's been a superb evening and I had a great view of the bus. I just hope they will carry on winning and stay up now."

Emma Harding, of Crawshawbooth, has been a fan for 15 years. She said: "It's all been brilliant and it's a fantastic turn-out for the lads."

Ben Boyle, 14, of Nelson, said: "It's been a brilliant season, beating Millwall and Scunthorpe, and I'm looking forward to beating Rovers next season."

Eighty-nine year-old Betty Stuttard, of Harle Syke, joined the fans at Eastern Avenue.

She said: "My husband was always a Burnley fan so I thought I'd walk up and have a look. It was very noisy but it's a credit to the team and Burnley."

Ray Worrall, 42, of Sabden, said: "It's great as it gives everyone a chance to appreciate what they've achieved. We will finish middle of the table next year."

Gillian Oates, 16, of Harle Syke, said: "It's all sinking in yet but the parade is brilliant. They are definitely going to stay up."

Clarets manager Stan Ternent said: "The following we have in the town and what it means to them and to the town is incredible. So it's a mega responsibility and we've got to perform next year now. With a following like that anything's possible."