Thousands of City fans refused to let the rain spoil their victory parade as they honoured their Premier League heroes in Centenary Square.

They had lined the streets along the 10 mile route from Keighley to Bradford and despite the downpours, they cheered the open-topped bus every inch of the way with the spectacular welcome in the Square.

The sea of soaked supporters didn't notice the rain as they chanted and heard chairman Geoffrey Richmond pay tribute to their loyalty.

The massive crowd estimated at 7,000 applauded the fighting talk from the City boss who promised them: "We will be in the Premiership going into the next Millennium, and for many years to come."

Fans still trying to absorb the most incredible 24 hours in the club's history gave the players, the chairman and manager Paul Jewell a rapturous welcome.

Thousands, wearing novelty City hats, waving flags and with painted faces, gathered to honour the team whose heroics against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday saw City promoted to the top flight for the first time in 77 years.

Thousands of others had lined the route of the parade from Cougar Park in Keighley through Crossflatts, Bingley, Saltaire and Shipley. Firemen sounded their sirens and car horns hooted as the bus met with an amber and claret army along the roads leading to Bradford.

By 7.45pm, Centenary Square was packed and stewards were refusing to let any more people in. The crowd was larger than the one which greeted the queen to Bradford for the city's centenary two years ago.

Chairman Geoffrey Richmond told them: "The reception that you have given to Bradford City today has been absolutely fantastic and the whole of the staff, players and management of Bradford City will always remember it."

He paid tribute to manager Paul Jewell and inspirational skipper Stuart McCall, adding: "Stuart epitomises everything that's good about a footballer, he gives nothing less than 100 per cent and his leadership qualities on the field and off are absolutely amazing."

Paul Jewell then praised the 'fantastic turnout', and joked: "Even I couldn't do anything about the weather!"

Stuart McCall added: "It has been a tremendous season for us all, what promotion will do for the city of Bradford will be magnificent."

Afterwards the players went inside City Hall for a lavish civic reception hosted by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Tony Miller.

Outside the carnival atmosphere continued with a continuous cavalcade of flag-bedecked cars circling the city centre, honking their horns well into the night.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman praised the crowd saying there had been a superb carnival atmosphere with no public order offences.

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