Singing, cheers, and even some tears, filled the streets of Oxford today as 30,000 people gave Oxford United a heroes’ welcome.

Two open-top buses carrying United’s squad reached Broad Street just after 7pm – almost exactly 48 hours after they beat York in the Blue Square Premier play-off final at Wembley to win promotion back to the Football League.

The buses had snaked their way through the city from the Kassam Stadium.

As they arrived carrying the victorious squad, management team and backroom staff, a huge cheer went up from the massive crowd who had packed into the street.

But the biggest cheer of the evening was saved for U’s manager Chris Wilder, who told the 30,000-strong crowd: “We are back!”

For Pam and Mick Horwood, from Headington, the welcome ceremony was particularly emotional.

The couple, who met at an Headington United match over four decades ago, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last month.

And Mr Harwood said their team’s win was the best anniversary present either could ask for.

He said: “We’ve been fans for years.

“I remember watching them when they were Headington United.

“It might be a bit of a belated present but worth waiting for.

“We couldn’t have celebrated 40 years together in a better way than this. They’ve done us proud.”

Joe Bennet, 44, from Berinsfield, went along to the parade with his father Norman, 76.

He said: “I haven’t had a day this good since I got divorced, and she always said I loved the Yellows more than her!

“It’s such a good feeling.”

Robert Herbert, 21, from Barton, added: “There’s such a good atmosphere.”

Ian Macdonald, 50, made the trip into the city from Witney with wife Melanie, 42, and son Christopher, 13.

He said: “It’s my birthday tomorrow. What a birthday present. It couldn’t have come at a better time to cheer people up. With the recession and stuff people really need this.”

Scott Ellis, 46, from Jericho, was representing his whole family by turning up in Broad Street.

He said: “We’re all over the moon.

“They are all die hard U’s fans but most of them could not make it to the parade.”

U’s fan Andy ‘Roo’ Hill said he had been waiting for this day for years.

He said: “It makes you proud to be from Oxford.”

Andy Soanes, from Botley, took his eight-year-old son Adam.

He said: “It’s brilliant to be back in the Football League. It’s great for the city.”