Players and management took part in an open top bus tour around the town and were cheered on by fans who stood on the streets, applauding and waving their scarves and flags to celebrate the FA Vase returning to the club.

From the moment the bus left Hillheads at noon there was a constant round of applause for the 2009 Wembley winners throughout the journey.

Hundreds of fans were waiting in the town centre alone for the bus to pass by, and as it made its way along the seafront, families stood waving at the players, who were shocked and delighted with the turnout.

Manager Ian Chandler said: "This is much better than last time.

"The turnout is just fantastic."

The downpour of rain on the Saturday meant some fans and players feared the bus tour could be a washout, but just as at Wembley seven days earlier, the sun shone on Whitley Bay as they showed off their silverware.

Beer gardens in Whitley Bay, Monkseaton and Tynemouth were packed with supporters as the FA Vase trophy was paraded at the front of the bus for people to see the trophy return to the north east after seven years.