OVER the next couple of hours hundreds of people dressed in the distinctive red and white of Ebbsfleet United are expected to start lining the route of the open topped bus parade.

The celebration of the Northfleet team's epic victory over Torquay United at Wembley should draw a huge crowd of supporters tonight, as the players and manager are driven from the ground to Gravesend.

The open topped bus will leave Stonebridge Road in Northfleet at 6.30pm and drive through the High Street, along the Hill, along London Road to the Overcliffe and up to New Road in Gravesend, before turning into Windmill Street, and along Wrotham Road, turning into Woodville Place and then back into Windmill Street, parking in the loading bay at about 6.55pm.

There the players and invited guests will go into the Civic Centre and up onto the balcony where they can wave to what is expected to be hundreds of fans cheering them down below.

King Street Gate will remain closed to vehicles (other than buses) until 7.30pm. Advance warning signs will be in place to notify drivers.

The Jugnu Bhangra dance group will be performing on the civic forecourt as part of the entertainment.

The Ebbsfleet United manager and some of the players who walked out onto the Wembley pitch on Saturday in front of 25,000 fans collected a special award on Tuesday night.

Gravesham Borough Council gave the Taking Pride in Gravesham award to the team in recognition of their achievement in bringing home the FA Trophy cup at the weekend - beating Torquay United 1-0.

Fleet manager Liam Daish said: "I'm delighted the players have been recognised. Their hard graft and work has been great and it's great for the borough."

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After the parade there will be a civic reception hosted by the mayor, Cllr Ken Jones, and the leader of the council Mike Snelling. The club is encouraging fans to repeat the sea of red and white which covered half of Wembley by bringing flags, banners, wigs, and wearing the club colours.