There were unprecedented scenes of celebration in and around Yeovil on Monday when the town's football team paraded the FA Trophy the day after winning it at Villa Park.

Despite hostile weather conditions at times, thousands turned out to celebrate the win when the team showed off the trophy from the top of an open double-decker.

After an afternoon and night of celebration, players and team officials gathered at Huish Park to board the bus that would take them to Preston School, Yeovil College, Stanchester School, Princes Street, The Borough and Fairmead School, which was the last stop.

Players and officials were joined on the bus top by invited guests, including town clerk Alan Tawse and MP David Laws.

When reaching the town centre, town crier Bruce Trigger and new club mascot, The Jolly Green Giant,walked in front of the bus to pave the way.

The procession came to a complete stop in The Borough, where a large and jubilant crowd blocked the road and joined their heroes in a number of singsongs.

The club's media relation man, Adrian Hopper, was also on top of the bus and described scenes as "unbelievable".

The club and its supporters hope to return for another bus ride in a year's time - celebrating promotion to the Football League.

Once the bus tour had been completed, players had to change their tracksuits for more formal wear as they headed for a civic reception organised by the town council.

At Westland Sports and Social Complex a buffet had been laid on. Newly installed Yeovil mayor Julian Freke spoke before Gary Johnson and his players were presented with individual certificates of recognition.

A joint certificate was given to the chairman, directors and backroom staff.

*Winning the trophy earned the club £12,000 and there is a bit more to come as proceeds from the sale of scarves, hats, flags etc. is still to be counted.

**The local business community has also poured praise on the team. Yeovil Chamber of Trade and Commerce president David Mills issued a statement, saying: "This must be one of the greatest days in Yeovil's history and everyone involved with the club deserves the heroes' welcome they are being given today.

When commenting on the green and white decorations that sprung up in town in the weeks leading up to the game, he said: "When Mark Kelly (chairman of the Independent Supporters' Association) came up with idea of painting the town green and white, I did have some doubts about the level of support it would receive.

"As it turned out, the response from individuals, businesses, the council and all media was absolutely magnificent - we certainly proved what a tremendous community spirit there is in the area."