Hundreds of excited fans lined the streets to watch an open-top bus victory parade today in celebration of Whitstable Town’s historic Wembley win.

Jubilant supporters descended on the town centre to give the players the heroes’ welcome they deserve as the club revel in their FA Vase victory.

Players, staff and the all-important trophy made their way through the streets this morning, to cheers from the overjoyed crowd.

The High Street became a sea of red as fans donned hats, scarves and gloves and businesses hung out balloons to herald the team’s arrival.

The parade, which set off from the Harbour before making its way through Harbour Street, High Street and Oxford Street, marked the start of a day of events back in the team’s hometown following last Sunday’s game.

Among the crowds was the Checksfield family, who couldn’t be prouder of their team’s achievement.

Dad Mark Checksfield, 38, said: "It's fantastic to watch the first team go and do that. The inspiration for the boys that they can do this kind of thing, they can aspire to play at Wembley and go on and win, is fantastic."

His son Harry, eight, was an escort at last weekend's match. He said: "It was quite exciting and a bit scary.

Of his reaction to the team’s victory, he said: “I was cheering so much and was so happy."

Harry's brother Charlie, 12, said: "I thought they could do it. It's very inspiring for me. It shows that anything could happen."

And mum Nicola, 40, added: "They've all done really well and it's been so much fun watching them. They were the underdogs in the game but they didn't look it, they were strong all the way through. It's great for the town and great for the club."

Helping with event marshalling is Whitstable youth coach Rob Barcock, who said: "It's been a crazy week. We had an amazing day on Sunday. I've watched the match back on the TV every night this week.

"The team deserve it. They put so much effort in on Sunday, it was amazing. The players are like superstars to these children. They're amazing with the kids and they're all absolutely buzzing.

"For the club, it brings attention. There's lots of new members and players who want to play for the club now. It really puts us on the map."

Jane Love of Djl Hair Studio in Whitstable High Street hung red balloons outside her salon to celebrate the team's victorious homecoming.

She said: "It's exciting. I've lived here all my life, and it's quite an achievement. Fair play to the boys. Today should be good fun."

Rob Davies, spokesman for the city council, said: "Whitstable Town's incredible achievement at Wembley on Sunday, which was such a historic moment in the club's history, deserves to be properly celebrated.

"Through the Safety Advisory Group with the blue light services, we have been working closely with the club to advise them on how to hold this event in a way that allows as many people as possible to join in the fun and stay safe at the same time in what are quite narrow areas through the middle of town.

"It's great news that everyone involved has come together to make it happen and we hope it's a wonderful occasion where the players and club can bask in the glory they so richly deserve."

More than 7,000 fans made the journey to Wembley Stadium to watch the team become the first Kent side in 25 years to win the Vase, after a nail-biting final against AFC Whyteleafe that finished 2-1 in extra time thanks to a late winner by Ronald Sithole.

Earlier this week, club chairman Steve Clayton said this weekend’s events would be a chance for the club to say thank you to everyone for their support.

He said: “We want Whitstable to share in that glory. That 12th man was really important and it’s a way of saying thank you.”

Following the hour-long parade, the celebrations moved to the club’s ground, where a special fan event is being held inside the Primcura Healthcare Stadium on Belmont Road.

Here, families are able to have a photo with the trophy, meet players, collect signatures and watch the presentation of the club’s end-of-season player awards.

Admission to this event is by ticket only, to help the club control and manage numbers and meet safety requirements.

A special commemorative edition of the Whitstable Gazette, our sister newspaper, marking the club’s triumph is in shops this week.

Additional reporting by Bartholomew Hall