TRURO City fans turned out in their hundreds to celebrate the club’s promotion to the Vanarama National League.

The team travelled by open-topped bus from their stadium at Langarth to the city centre, and were presented with medals on the steps of Truro Cathedral in front of a jubilant crowd, before riding a lap of honour through Boscawen Street and Kenwyn Street and returning back through Threemilestone.

“I’m so proud,” said team captain Connor Riley-Lowe. “To lead out this group of boys is a pleasure. They have worked hard and got their rewards, in spite of tough times over the past couple of years.

“In the past, young kids in Cornwall haven’t had a team close to the football league to be able to see that pathway. Now we’re at a good standard, I hope kids will be inspired.”

Manager John Askey described the promotion as “a minor miracle”, adding: “They’ve had to overcome so much, and were one of the favourites to go down this season. To see how much it means to so many people – it makes it all worthwhile.”

He attributed the success to “the spirit of the players. The lads have been travelling so much this season, and playing teams who are full-time to their part-time. I’ve not heard one moan – I’ve been in football a long time, and I’ve never seen that before.”

The Smith family - father Ross, mother Natalie, 12-year-old Freya and seven-year-old Henry – travelled over from Newquay to see their heroes’ lap of honour. “We wanted to celebrate the achievements of the biggest club in Cornwall,” said season-ticket holder Ross.

“Their last three or four games have been brilliant. It’s great to see so many people here, and it would be good if some of them came to games so we could have three or four thousand in the stands.”

There was the sweet smell of victory in the air when Truro City players celebrated their promotion with the fans on Saturday afternoon.

The team travelled from their stadium at Langarth to the city centre by open-topped bus, and arrived at High Cross to find it packed with high-spirited supporters. From the steps of Truro Cathedral, Gareth Davies engaged the crowd in local football chants, which continued as each player received a medal and lifted the cup.

The lads then sprayed champagne over the front row before coming down to meet the fans and sign memorabilia including programmes, shorts and even body parts.

In the crowd was former Truro City player Steve Bayley, who was with the team in the early 2000s. “To have a team at the level we’re at now is something we never dreamed of,” he said. “They’ve brought it back home, and to see the crowds here today shows just how far they’ve come.”

The promotion represents triumph in the face of adversity for this once-beleaguered side. Just over 12 months ago, Truro were without a home ground and battling relegation; boss Paul Wotton left to manage Torquay Utd; and to cap it all, they were forced to end the 2023/24 season playing more than 200 miles away at Gloucester City.

But a change of fortunes was on the cards. The 2024/25 season ended with a dramatic final day, with the Tinners as one of six sides in with a shout of securing the sole automatic promotion slot from the National League South to the Vanarama league. Their magnificent 5-2 victory against visiting St Albans City saw them seal the deal with a comfortable margin, under the watchful eye of their new manager, serial promotion winner John Askey.

The victory came during coach Matt Godfrey’s first year with the team. “No one thought this would be the outcome,” he admitted. “It’s thanks to so many people, including the fans – they are as important as any staff members. We’re in it together.”

That was certainly the view out in the throng. Cliff and Joy Moran from St Austell were in the front row with grandson Max, 11. “It’s really nice to see Cornwall go up,” said Max, who was considering switching allegiance from Plymouth Argyle to a team on the right side of the Tamar. “They deserve some support,” said Cliff in agreement.

Vikki Lean and son Hayden, 14, were wearing the yellow hi-vis tabards of Truro City volunteers. Penair School student Hayden has been volunteering for the club’s home games as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award, taking his mum along “for the ride”.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Vikki. “It’s like a family up there, and some games have brought me to tears – I didn’t think a football match could do that.”

Fan Trevor Lee was rocking a lengthy Tinners scarf, having attended as many games as possible. “The fact they’ve got where they are is incredible,” he said.