In pictures: Hundreds of fans turn out for Whitstable Town’s FA Vase Wembley victory parade through Whitstable

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