Harrogate Town celebrates promotion with bus parade

Harrogate Town's Josh Falkingham holds the trophy as he celebrates with team mates during an open top bus tour around Harrogate

Harrogate Town players have paraded on an open-top bus around the town to celebrate the club's promotion to the English Football League for the first time in its 106-year history.

The club beat Notts County 3-1 in the National League promotion final at Wembley on 2 August.

The bus left the CNG Stadium for a two-mile (3.2 km) tour of the spa town.

To deter large crowds it did not stop and fans were warned to "be careful of each other" and not get too close.

More Yorkshire stories

Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver said the team was "still on a huge high" after a "magical week" and was looking forward to seeing its fans who had been "sorely missed" at games.

'Be careful'

But Mr Weaver warned that crowds gathering for the parade had to still remain vigilant of social distancing measures.

"Everyone's got that responsibility, not just for themselves but for others," he said.

"People need to remember not to be too close together.

"It's a balance, it's difficult when everyone's emotional and we're riding the crest of the wave, but it's really important that everyone stays safe and healthy.

"At the same time there's a buzz over such a great time for us right now."

Fans lined the streets of Harrogate to watch the parade, while manager Simon Weaver warned that people must still "stay safe and look out for others" in line with social distancing guidelines

Fans were warned they must still stick to social distancing guidelines during the Harrogate Town promotion bus parade

The bus did not stop on the tour of the town to avoid large crowds gathering.

In July, Leeds United defended its decision to parade the Championship trophy from a bus parade in front of fans after previously telling people to stay away.

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or send video here.