CROWDS lined the pavements several deep to witness the victory celebrations of the region's latest sporting champion.

Thousands of well-wishers turned out to see Grand National winner Red Marauder's parade through the streets of owner Norman Mason's home city.

The 64-year-old millionaire businessman and his chestnut gelding, plus winning jockey Richard Guest, were given a heroes' reception in Sunderland yesterday.

In sunny spring conditions, it was a far cry from the rain-drenched scenes in which the horse sprang to prominence at Aintree earlier this month, as he romped away in front of the only three other finishers, to win at a punter-friendly 33-1.

Since his return to Mr Mason's Brancepeth Manor Farm, in County Durham, Red Marauder has been allowed to recover from his exertions.

On his first public appearance since the race, the steeplechaser behaved impeccably, under the guidance of stable girl Claire Metcalfe, of West Auckland.

Setting off from Mr Mason's business headquarters, in High Street West, Red Marauder, in his winner's coat, was led along John Street, up Holmeside, past Mason's Amusements Centre, and into Park Lane.

He was then walked round in parade ring fashion for almost half-a-hour to the delight of onlookers, several of whom put out a hand to stroke the Grand National hero.

Open-top BMW cars were provided, in fitting red, for the owner, jockey and Sunderland's Mayor, councillor Brian Dodds, followed by Mr Mason's wife, Dorothy, his private assistant, Michael Woods, and Mayoress Syvlia Dodds.

Mr Mason was delighted at the welcome they received.

"This is one of the best accolades anyone could have given me," he said. "It's amazing the people I've seen, including some old friends who've turned out who I haven't seen for years."

Mr Mason said it had been a frantic fortnight, meeting the demands of the media since the race, and he is only just coming down to earth, with the full realisation of the achievement now starting to sink in.

Jockey Richard Guest said: "It's a fantastic reception, for a fantastic horse.

"He has handled it extremely well and looked as if he enjoyed every second of it, and remained very calm.

"He will now enjoy what will be a well-deserved and lengthy holiday."

But not today, as Red Marauder takes to the road for his first post-National appearance on a racecourse - purely on parade once more - for the benefit of racegoers at Perth, Scotland, this afternoon.