THE blue and white flags waved in triumph last night.

Those who are old enough to remember the glory days and others not even old enough to tie their laces came to cheer on their heroes.

After the agony and finally joy of a season even the most imaginative novelist could not have dreamed up, thousands of fans came to celebrate one thing: Town are going up!

Even before the open-topped bus had left the McAlpine Stadium hordes of Town-mad supporters were waiting outside the Town Hall.

The streets were crammed with an estimated 4,000 people.

Whistles were blowing and scarves held aloft to welcome in a new era for Huddersfield Town.

Only 12 months ago one of the most famous clubs in English football faced going out of business.

On April 17, 2003, the Supporters' Survival Trust met inside the Town Hall where last night the Terriers partied. On that night it was said without a miracle Town would die.

But with the help of supporters who rallied to raise thousands of pounds and the vision of McAlpine supremo Ken Davy, Huddersfield Town were saved just weeks before the season began.

And the crowds turned out in force last night after Town won promotion to Division II on Monday after a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Mansfield at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Darrell Greig , of Arthur Street, Golcar, was outside the Town Hall with his partner Moura Powders and their five-month-old daughter Perry.

He said: "What a wonderful occasion this is and it is made all the more special because we were so close to going under this time last year. I wanted to be here and bring my daughter with me so in years to come I could tell her she was there.

"We are on the up and next season I think we might just do it again."

Raymond Hey, of Batley Avenue, Marsh, was also optimistic his beloved Town had begun their march back up the football league.

"I can see us doing well next season," he said. "All we need to do is get in a few more people to add to this great young squad and we will be celebrating again.

"It was a fantastic day on Monday at the Millennium Stadium and it is brilliant to be here tonight to cheer on the lads with the cup."

And every player from a team that was put together on a shoestring weeks before the season kicked off received a deafening reception when they came out to thank the faithful.

The biggest cheer was reserved for one man though, Town's inspirational leader Peter Jackson. For minutes after he came out to talk to the supporters shouts of his name echoed though the streets.

Afterwards he said: "It is a fantastic day for the fans and the club. We are all going away now for a holiday but we will be back and ready to go again next season."

And Mr Davy made it clear Town had their eyes firmly on getting back where they belong.

He said: "We have a clear objective of where we want to be by 2008 and that is as one of the top clubs in the country."