Football champions were welcomed back to their home turf today after winning the Vanarama National League South.

Ebbsfleet United’s victorious team arrived at their Stonebridge Road ground, the Kuflink Stadium in Northfleet, with their trophy after a journey on an open-top bus from Community Square in Gravesend.

The team won their latest title on Good Friday and means they’ve been promoted for next season.

Today’s bus parade set off at 10.45am after a short celebration reception inside the Civic Centre, Gravesend, and hosted by the mayor, Cllr Peter Scollard.

The team then boarded the bus in Community Square, where crowds of fans had gathered to cheer them on.

The bus then headed down Windmill Street, New Road, Garrick Street, Barrack Row, Darnley Road, Overcliffe, London Road and Northfleet High Street as supporters lined the route to wave and see the team and their trophy.

The team then arrived at the club’s family day which began at 11am today – here fans and supporters greeted the champions.

Gravesend’s town centre manager took to Twitter to congratulate the team.

They said: “Huge congratulations to Ebbsfleet United FC from us all here at Gravesend town centre.”

Ebbsfleet United FC wrote on Twitter: “Thank you to everyone who turned up for our Family Fun Day – plenty of young and old fans alike queuing to get those signing opportunities and trophy pics with the squad.

“And can we call this the first day of summer too with the sun shining on the champions?!”

On the win, one Facebook commenter wrote: “Very well deserved, looking forward to next season.”