Storm clouds gathered over Didcot last night but failed to dampen the town's soaring spirits and pride in their football team which seven days ago won the FA Vase.

On tour round the town

Last Saturday Didcot Town entered footballing history by winning the lower leagues' competition, seeing off favourites Sudbury in a thrilling 3-2 victory at White Hart Lane, home to one of England's biggest clubs, Tottenham Hotspur.

And last night more than 500 people braved the appalling conditions, which included torrential rain, hail and chill winds, to line the Broadway and cheer on the team as it made its way through the town on an open-top bus.

Towed behind the bus was the blue and yellow Reliant which Sudbury had brought to Didcot a week before the match as a practical joke, claiming that was all the club would need to transport its fans.

Last night the joke was on them, as the Reliant Kitten was pulled past cheering Didcot fans.

From committed spectators who attend every match, to those that follow their team through the sports pages of the Oxford Mail, everyone said the victory was a fantastic shot in the arm for the town.

Kim Pike, who turned out with her husband and two sons, said: "It is such an achievement, and considering they do normal jobs as well as play football I think they have done incredibly well. With the Orchard redevelopment going on as well, it's the icing on the cake for Didcot town.

"There a lot of people out here tonight who aren't that interested in football but they've come out because they're proud that Didcot is on the map for something other than the power station."

As the team drove past the crowds, cars pulled over and hooted their horns, while children ran and cycled alongside the bus.

Wearing their Didcot Town shirts, Liam Pickering and Graham Squires, both 18, stood on benches to watch the procession.

Graham said: "Nothing this big has ever happened. It's like the FA Cup for them."

Liam hoped it was the start of new things for the town. "Lots more sports should be coming out of Didcot, not just football. This should make people more interested in winning things."

For many of the people watching it was an especially proud moment as they knew, or were related to, team members.

Donald Hall, 70 and from Cholsey, was out to celebrate after watching his grandson Jamie Heapy captain the team to victory at White Hart Lane. He said: "I am very proud of him. It was a brilliant match."

Standing alongside, friend Paul Vinten, 60, said he was proud that Didcot are the first team in the county to win the vase.

He said: "It's a wonderful thing for Oxfordshire, not just for Didcot."