Players from Whitley Bay FC will take part in a victory parade through the streets of the town to celebrate their spectacular Wembley win. The Seahorses triumphed in the FA Carlsberg Vase Final for the second year running with a 6-1 win over Wroxham earlier this month. And to mark the achievement, North Tyneside Council has teamed-up with the football club to organise an open-topped bus parade on Saturday 29 May. The parade will start at 3pm from Hillheads Park, before the bus makes its way past Morrisons and into the town centre. The bus will then travel along the sea front, where supporters will be able to see the trophy held aloft at St Mary’s Lighthouse, before the team arrive back at the club’s stadium at around 5pm. North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor Linda Arkley said: "I know the town and wider borough are bursting with pride for the achievements of the football club. "To come out on top in a Wembley final is outstanding, but to do it two years running is an exceptional achievement. "The open-topped bus parade is an appropriate way to celebrate the team’s success, and will give residents the chance to show the players their appreciation. "It’s certainly going to be a fantastic occasion and I’m sure the club will enjoy showing off their silverware." Ahead of the final, 3,000 metres of blue and white bunting was erected in the town centre, which was funded by Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade, Whitley Bay FC and North Tyneside Council. Following this, the council has agreed to hire the open-topped bus for the victory parade. Paul McIlduff, chairman of Whitley Bay FC, said: "It has been a fantastic achievement for the football club to win the FA Vase at Wembley two years running. "To be only the second club to win the trophy three times, as well as the first to retain our trophy at the new Wembley, is a phenomenal achievement. "We have had magnificent support from the local people of Whitley Bay and the wider North East community, who have supported us to the hilt. "The local shops, pubs and businesses have got right behind the club and given us great support. "And the Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade, Northumbria Police and North Tyneside Council have been fantastic in the way they have helped and supported us. Everyone has played their part in helping with our success. "I am absolutely delighted that the club can give something back to the local community by parading the FA Vase round the town on Saturday and I hope everyone enjoys the day." Karen Goldfinch, chairman of Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade, said: "It goes without saying how proud we all are of the team. "I personally had the pleasure of going to Wembley this year, which is an experience I will never forget. "I’m sure so many people will be out to show their support. I think there’s going to be lots of blue and white everywhere". This year’s parade will be a poignant occasion as former player Mark Taylor will be joining in with the celebrations. Mark was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease earlier in the year, and played his final match at last year’s Wembley final. Karen added: "To see Mark this year and the support shown to him by his team mates moved many of us to tears. It will be yet another reason for people to be out on Saturday showing their support." MM | 
