HUNDREDS of proud Chester FC fans turned the city centre into a sea of blue and white on Saturday as their promotion-winning heroes paraded the championship trophy on an open top bus tour.

About a thousand supporters swarmed outside the Town Hall to applaud the players and celebrate a memorable debut season for the fan-owned phoenix club.

The rebirth of the Blues has been a remarkable success story both on and off the pitch, and has captured the imagination of the city with crowds at the Exacta Stadium averaging 2,500.

Chester FC director and lifelong fan Jeff Banks said: “It was an amazing experience to be part of the celebration through the city, and a fantastic turnout by the fans.

“We had people clapping, waving scarves and flags, and car horns going.

“The sight of people crowding onto the Northgate Bridge, and then the masses gathered at the Town Hall was simply stunning.

“It all brought a lump to the throat.

“I really do believe that Chester FC have woken the whole city up now and that can only be great for our community as this football club is the fans club and is going places.

“Seeing the Town Hall turned blue and white was a sight to behold and a memory that will never be forgotten.”

After parading the Evo-Stik First Division North title and speaking to the fans, Blues players, management and volunteers were given a civic reception inside the Town Hall by Lord Mayor of Chester, Eleanor Johnson.

Council leader Mike Jones said: “The club has become a true community club.

“ The fans have backed the club every step of the way and the parade is as much for them to celebrate their own achievements as it is to applaud those of the players.”