A YOUTH football team celebrated their championship success in style - with an open-top bus parade.

Little Oakley’s under-12s took to the streets to celebrate winning the Colchester and District C League title.

After proudly collecting their league trophy on Sunday, they promptly boarded an open-top bus for a celebratory tour round Harwich and Dovercourt.

In glorious sunshine, there were plenty of people around to cheer the lads on as they raised the trophy aloft.

The boys had no idea of this closely-guarded secret until minutes before they set off on their victory journey, which was paid for by an extremely kind parent.

Captain Joe Watt said: “It was a brilliant day and all the lads were singing on the bus as we drove round town.

“Everyone was cheering and giving us the thumbs up.”

Manager Mike Carran added: “It was an amazing experience for the lads and I’m sure this is something they will remember for the rest of their lives."