PRESTON North End's magnificent climb into Division One was celebrated at the weekend with the traditional resurrection ceremony.

Fans have eagerly awaited the Raising of the Coffin for the last two years and this year's celebrations could not have come at a better time with North End about to kick off in the higher division.

The bizarre ritual has been happening since 1948, whenever Preston or Blackburn Rovers are relegated or promoted.

And last Saturday afternoon (August 5) traffic was brought to a standstill when hundreds of well-wishers lined the streets of Bamber Bridge to hail the champions of Division Two.

They witnessed the coffin and its content, a doll dressed in the blue and white kit, carried along the traditional three-quarters-of-a-mile route from the Queen's Hotel, Church Road, to the Trade's Hall pub on Station Road. And the carnival procession included a number of themed floats, which were led by cheerleaders, dancers and musicians, making it a fun day for everyone.

May Strettle, manager of the Queen's, said: "It was a fantastic day and there were so many people. It was heaving. There were literally thousands of people who turned up to watch."

The beautifully polished coffin has been 'lying in state' at the Top House pub for the last week so that PNE fans could have a look at the coffin and cherish the moment when their team rose up the football league.

Hopefully, people will not have to wait long before Preston get promoted into the Premiership.

Pictured: The Brig-adiers carry the coffin from the celler of the Trade's Hall, Station Road to mark PNE's promotion.