TRURO City FC fans turned out in their hundreds to celebrate the club’s promotion to the Vanarama 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, taking time to sign shirts and programmes 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 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.”

In the crowd was former Truro City FC 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.”

Vikki Lean has been volunteering for the club’s home games with her son, Penair School student Hayden, as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award. “I went along for the ride and 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.”

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.”

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.