FANS of all ages filled every inch of Hove Lawns to welcome Albion’s players to the stage following their 90-minute glory parade along the seafront.

Seagulls supporters waved blue and white flags and sang the club’s songs as the six open-top buses arrived.

The jubilant crowd watched a video on a giant screen commemorating the club’s story since leaving the Goldstone Ground 20 years ago to promotion to the Premier League.

The air was filled with blue and white balloons and later a storm of ticker tape and streamers exploded over the crowd to screams of delight.

Club chairman Tony Bloom was first to take to the stage to excited chants of “we are going up”.

Mr Bloom said: “This is just an amazing day and what an amazing journey we have been on to reach the Premier League.

“We have the best fans and we have all worked so hard for this and it is just thoroughly deserved.

“Let’s not forget 20 years ago we were homeless and had nowhere to go as a club and we still continued to work so hard.

“Six years ago we were fortunate enough to move to the Amex and since that day it has been onwards and upwards for the club. This parade has created such amazing memories for all and I just can’t wait for next season now.

“Well done to all and I will see you all when we start the new season.”

Albion’s match-day presenter Richard Reynolds, welcomed manager Chris Hughton to the stage next as a crowd of up to 60,000 supporters chanted “there is only one Chris Hughton”.

Mr Hughton stood on stage visibly humbled by the number of fans cheering before him.

He said: “This parade and our promotion are all about having the support from our fans and staff, which is so important.

“The players made a decision after last season that they were up for the challenge once again this season and we have to give them absolute credit for achieving what they have.

“It’s not so difficult to just be a good team but to be a good team all season is really something.”

At last the fans’ heroes, the players, took to the stage one by one, welcomed by wild applause and chants from the crowd.

Midfielder Dale Stephens, who has just signed a four-year contract for the club, was the first to address the crowd.

He said: “The next season is going to be amazing, honestly.

“Everyone has worked hard this year and after the upset last season how much does this make up for it?

“To see everyone come out and celebrate together today is brilliant and I am just so excited to play for the club again next season.”

Next on stage was midfielder Steve Sidwell who said: “It has been a difficult time for us as a team with Anthony Knockaert losing his father.

“We had a few tough times in the changing room but when I look back now our promotion is just another moment that was meant to be for us this year.

“We were always meant to get promoted and I said to the lads all the way through this season that this is going to be our year and now we have done it.”

The players were cheered as they showed off their trophy and streamers rained down.

There were rumours that Brighton’s own Fatboy Slim was due to perform once the players arrived in Hove Lawns.

This turned out not to be the case – but no one minded.

This was a day to remember and it ended as it began – in an ocean of blue and white.