Thousands of Albion supporters turned the city into a sea of blue and white during an emotion-charged promotion party on the city's seafront yesterday.

Children and their families followed their heroes throughout Brighton and Hove to toast the Seagulls' new status in the Second Division.

The players and manager toured the city in an open-top bus before being presented to the fans at Hove Town Hall.

Supporters came from all over the country in blue and white wigs, shirts, face paint and fancy dress to declare: "We are the champions!"

Banner-waving fans gathered in their multitudes at the entrance to the Palace Pier as the squad and the back room staff appeared on the bus.

The vehicle, which was bedecked in blue and white balloons, had Micky Adams and Bobby Zamora written across the front.

Players popped champagne corks and sprayed onlookers as the bus moved off slowly on its journey along the seafront to Hove Town Hall.

The vehicle was flanked by a wall of police and stewards throughout its journey, which got underway just after 10am on Sunday.

Supporters chanted "There's only one Micky Adams" and clambered up street lights to get a better view of the proceedings while scores more waved and shouted "Champions" out of hotel windows.

Albion's freescoring striker Bobby Zamora was picked out by the crowds to honour his crucial role in Albion's success.

A four-strong group of women in the Royal Charter Hotel in Brighton lifted their tops at the players which brought a round of applause and cheers.

They repeated the bra-bulging tribute seconds later, following a huge ovation from fans and players.

One fan appeared bemused as he walked out of his room at the Hilton Hotel wrapped in a duvet before walking back in when he saw the commotion outside.

Motorists near the Brighton Centre unleashed a resounding volley of car horns in honour of the team.

Guests at the Brighton Hotel in Bedford Square had turned their balcony into a blue and white shrine for the big day.

The players shouted and cheered together with fans, many of whom recorded the special event on camcorders.

Every street corner up to Grand Avenue in Hove was filled with supporters but away from the excitement, the streets were ghostly quiet.

The bus finally arrived in Grand Avenue at about 10.45am when the players and staff were ushered into Hove Town Hall in Norton Road.

Fans had been gathering outside the landmark since 9am to ensure they had a good view of the players.

The team appeared on a balcony with Albion chairman Dick Knight, Brighton and Hove mayor Andy Durr, and Martin Perry, the club's chief executive.

Other special guests at the reception included Hove MP Ivor Caplin and Home Office Minister and former mayor Steve Bassam.

There was no sign of celebrity Albion fans Des Lynam or Zoe Ball and Norman Cook, alias Fatboy Slim.

Albion fan Ian Gough, 36, of Sullington Way, Shoreham, has watched the Seagulls since he was four. He was at Hove Town Hall with his two children, Thomas, eight, and Jamie, ten.

He said: "This is the best day I can remember and I have supported them for 32 years.

"It is very good for the fans that the club can do this today, the bus and then this bit. It is a great day for all of us and we deserve it."

Dave Sprowston, 33, travelled from Islington, north London, to be at the event.

He said: "I have followed them since I was a nipper. It used to be fantastic to go to the Golsdtone Ground when there was all that noise and there was something magical about the place.

"It was devastating to leave that place and then go through all the other heartache so this is why people who know nothing about our club will not realise quite how special this is for regular fans. I have been in tears today, this makes up for everything."

Rebecca Maine, 30, of Elm Grove, Brighton, said: "I have followed them for ten years as they are my hometown club. This is the best I have ever felt since I have watched them.

"They deserve it though after all that the club has gone through. Going to watch them in Gillingham was soul-destroying. Now we just need a new ground and a permanent one."

Brighton and Hove mayor Andy Durr said: "It is lovely to be here today. It is one of the happiest days for Brighton and Hove.

"The council will support the club as much as we can, it is great to see so many fans here today."

Albion chairman Dick Knight said: "It is a beautiful day. This is how much the Albion means to Brighton and Hove, it is a tremendous achievement.

"The team of 2001 has more class and quality and twelve more points than Chesterfield. I know we can take this club forward together by creating a permanent home, a new stadium.

"That will not only be a wonderful home for Albion but also a landmark centre of sporting excellence."

Beaming Albion manager Micky Adams told the fans: "This club will survive but if it is to progress it needs a new stadium.

"There are generations of fans who have come here today who will not have seen the team this season. I love you all."

Popular front man Bobby Zamora said: "I would just like to thank you all and hopefully we will see you in Ayia Napa in the summer!"

Albion captain Paul Rogers said: "We have had a great season. Thank you very much and I hope you enjoy the rest of the day, we will have a few lagers for you!"

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said there were no arrests and supporters had caused "no problems whatsoever."