Albion's title heroes revelled in a reception fit for champions today from the city of Brighton and Hove.

Thousands braved the wind and cold to pay tribute to the team which completed a championship double by winning the Second Division.

Fans of all ages turned out along the seafront route for the Seagulls' celebration parade.

Manager Peter Taylor, his players and coaching staff, chairman Dick Knight and his fellow directors boarded their open-top bus in Madeira Drive, Brighton.

A second open-top bus followed close behind, carrying club staff and players' wives and partners.

They were cheered all the way as they made the two-mile journey to Brighton and Hove City Council's offices at King's House, Grand Avenue, Hove.

Youngsters had their faces painted in blue and white stripes. Many others waved flags.

A banner draped over a balcony at the Royal Albion Hotel summed up the mood of jubilation. It read: Flying High With The Seagulls.

Kerry Mayo, Albion's longest serving player, said: "The turnout was unbelievable.

"It was a great day out, with everybody singing and having fun, and the atmosphere was brilliant. We all milked it, because it may never happen again in our lifetimes."

At King's House, the players were treated to a civic reception by mayor Harry Steer and council leader Ken Bodfish.

They were introduced one by one on the balcony, with the biggest roar reserved for goalscoring star Bobby Zamora.

Bob Brooker, Taylor's madcap assistant, brought the celebrations to a fitting finale, dressing as Queen singer Freddie Mercury and conducting the crowd as they sang We Are The Champions.

There will be a special early edition of the Sports Argus on Saturday afternoon, and a 32-page Champions pull-out free in Monday's Argus. Don't miss them.

Send your Albion congratulations to webmaster@theargus.co.uk - we'll run as many as we can on the site next week.