Glorious - 13 wonderful pictures of Saints' victory parade

Thousands lined the streets as Saints victorious Challenge Cup winning teams proudly toured the town on a glorious evening.

Supporters may have only caught fleeting glimpses of the the vintage buses that carried the players but the elation, pride and excitement on show – especially among youngsters who waved flags and their homemade trophies – will live long in the memory.

The men's and women's teams headed through a route of the borough displaying the trophies, with Kristian Woolf's side still celebrating Saturday's triumph at Wembley.

The women's team had won the cup earlier in the summer but had been unable to celebrate due to the pandemic.

The buses took a route from Haydock to St Helens, winding through areas that included Blackbrook, Parr, Sutton, Thatto Heath, Eccleston and Dentons Green – and big turnouts gathered, sang and waved.

The Gerard Arms pub was just one example of the party atmosphere on the day when most Covid restrictions were eased.

Here is a selection of pictures shared by the St Helens Star's Camera Club members.

The crowds were out in force (Pic: John Fisher)

Players from both sides give a big wave to supporters (pic:John Fisher)

Showing off the cup (Pic: John Fisher)

LMS, Lachlan Coote and Kyle Amor (Pic: John Fisher)

The women's team displayed the Challenge Cup they won earlier this summer (pic: John Fisher)

Riding along Knowsley Road - where Saints' former ground once stood (Pic: Ann Odonnell)

Glorious: The evening unfolded against beautiful blue skies (Pic: Ann Odonnell)

Saints women wave the red and white flag with pride (Pic: Carol Southward)

Wearing their medals (Pic: Carol Southward)

Keep hold of that cup (Pic: Carol Southward)

Thanks for your support - the women's team applaud supporters (Pic: Carol Southward)

Victory parade: The Saints lads in fine form (Pic: Carol Southward)

Vintage: it was the same bus as used in the 1996 celebrations (Pic: Carol Southward)