THE cheers of celebration almost lifted the roof off the Millennium Stadium.

But after the first throws of ecstasy, the Blue and White Army hugged each other with relief -- the margin between success and failure was far too close for comfort.

Every fan was on their feet. All hands were in the air paying homage to their heroes. And the Rovers side of the stadium was a sea of blue and white flags.

But as the drama was played out on the pitch the tension in the stands was almost unbearable.

Fans willed on every player. Every surge forward was met with standing cheers. Every time Spurs threatened -- which they did on many an occasion -- fans held their breath.

Audible sighs were let out with every chance that went begging.

The final few moments were agonising. People were chewing on their nails, barking instructions to their team and praying they would hold on.

The final whistle was greeted with a massive outpouring of joyous relief -- four decades' worth -- as captain Henning Berg and Garry Flitcroft, who missed the game through suspension, held aloft the famous trophy.

Barry Stewart, 58, of Whalley, was at Wembley for the FA Cup Final in 1960 when Rovers lost 3-0 to Wolves.

He said: "It's about time we had something like this. It was a tense last few moments but Rovers kept their nerve.

"The smiles on the faces of the people around me were worth a million pounds."

Lucy James, 22, of Roe Lee, said: "I don't have any nails left anymore I'm going to have to buy some false ones.

"What a day, what a team."

Before the game both sets of fans mingled. Every pub in the city was heaving with the strains of football songs. Streets were lined with supporters.

Hordes of travelling fans spent the weekend in or around the Welsh city. Husbands took their wives, parents took their children and families united to travel the 270 or so miles to Cardiff.

Despite the miserable weather both sets of fans ensured the day had a carnival atmosphere.

Many Rovers fans were too young to remember the last time Rovers graced the stage of a cup final.

The many youngsters there with parents may not remember Rovers winning anything at all.

But they witnessed a victory which they will remember for many years to come.

Among the many replica shirts sported by fans proclaiming Dunn, Jansen and Cole was one with the words Uncle Jack above the number one. Vocal tributes to him peppered the usual football offerings.

It is more than 18 months since the former steel magnate lost his fight with cancer but Blackburn Rovers is still regarded as his club. His children, Ross , Howard, Linda and Michaela were among the fans witnessing the triumph.

After the game the jubilant fans carried on celebrating , filling the pubs and painting the Welsh capital blue and white.

Then the fans faced the long but happy trek home -- traffic queues and all -- with the promise of more joy to come when the victorious team arrives back in Blackburn.