TALBOT Square was awash with tangerine as hundreds of Blackpool FC fans gathered outside the Town Hall to cheer on their winning team.

Excited fans of all ages decked themselves out in Seasiders' colours, chanted, sang and waved dozens of flags as they waited for their favourite team to emerge from a special civic reception.

The reception was held to celebrate the team's recent play-off win against Leyton Orient, ensuring the club's rise into the Second Division.

The fans were addressed by Blackpool Mayor Councillor Sue Wright, herself dressed in a tangerine trouser suit, before the players and club chiefs emerged at exactly 7pm. They made speeches, and treated fans to a walkabout when players signed flags, chatted to fans and posed for pictures.

Manager Steve McMahon told the fans: "We had faith and belief in the way we played. It was a rollercoaster but we actually got there."

And he said the club might have "some good news" by the end of the week about the anticipated signing of Charlton player, Danny Shittu, who played a key part in getting Blackpool to the play-offs.

At the civic reception, Steve told The Citizen: "There's only one way the club can go. We would like to think we are going forward with the redevelopment of the stadium."

Earlier, fans listened as club boss Karl Oyston told them the likely names for stands at the new stadium, which is currently ahead of schedule, would be Matthews and Mortenson, paying tribute to the footballing legends.

And in another exclusive interview star player Paul Simpson said: "I did not know what to expect but I should not be surprised because the supporters have turned out in their numbers. You have to cherish moments like this. It's a fantastic achievement to be one of the four best teams in your division."

And he paid tribute to the fans. "They have all pulled together and they have backed the players and we have given them something to celebrate. It's fantastic!