HUNDREDS of loyal Seasiders' fans turned Talbot Square tangerine when Blackpool FC's LVD Vans Trophy victory was honoured at a civic reception.

Jubilant Blackpool FC manager Steve McMahon raised the trophy on Tuesday (April 2) to cheers from the crowd who thrilled at his promise to present a serious threat to Nationwide League First Division promotion-seeking rivals next season.

The club's crashing 4-1 win over Cambridge United at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, was Blackpool FC's second visit to the Welsh capital in less than a year. Last May, following their play-off final success, they returned with Second Division status.

Staunch supporter Joan Buckley, of Kirkstone Avenue, Norbreck, was at the front of the sea of joyous fans. Joan, who has missed only two away games in 50 years, stood in the same place in 1953 when the town saluted the club's famous FA Cup 4-3 win against Bolton Wanderers.

The Mayor of Blackpool, Mrs Sue Wright -- who again sported a tangerine trouser suit as she did at Cardiff -- received a cheque from Blackpool FC chairman Karl Oyston towards charities of her choice. The £3,325 cheque represented a part share of the club's Charity Shield revenue. "This is a great win for the club and great boost for the town," she said.

Karl Oyston pledged his ongoing commitment to the club and said a great deal of progress had been made.

He said: "We're only about half way there in what we aim to achieve at Bloomfield Road, and the LVD Vans Trophy win is this season's icing on the cake."

Goalscorers, John Murphy, Chris Clarke, Lytham St Annes' own John Hills -- who was Man Of the Match -- and Scott Taylor paid tribute to the fans and, along with other members of the squad, chatted to delighted supporters and signed autographs.