England's Ashes heroes celebrated with tens of thousands of fans in jubilant scenes across the capital yesterday - after a long night spent toasting their extraordinary triumph.

Cheering crowds packed streets throughout the city to hail captain Michael Vaughan and his team as they toured in an open-topped bus, many worse for wear after they had mingled with supporters in bars and nightclubs until dawn.

They were followed by England's Ashes-winning women's team in their own double-decker.

The victory parade from east London to Trafalgar Square was choked with ecstatic supporters - many had abandoned work for the day.

Fans' favourite Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff, named man of the series, was greeted with special adulation as he appeared on the top deck.

Glamorous wife Rachael and their daughter, Holly, were beside him as the England team were hailed for their 2-1 win over Australia in one of the most dramatic Test series in living memory.

His voice still hoarse as the team were presented to 25,000 fans in Trafalgar Square, Vaughan said their reception had been "beyond a dream".

To roars of approval, he told fans: "This is fantastic, thank you for the support, not just today but all through the season.

"The team have been magnificent, the management have been magnificent and these people have been even better."

Some onlookers had clambered into the fountains to secure the best vantage points and fans broke into chants and screams as the team arrived, evoking memories of the rapturous receptions given to England's 1966 World Cup Winners and 2003 Rugby World Cup victors.

Flintoff said: "It's been a great series.

"It's been a marathon for the last five weeks, a mammoth series and an emotional roller-coaster we've been through.

"We've come out on top and we're enjoying it."

Dressed in identical dark blue suits and striped ties, the players were accompanied by their wives, partners and children on their parade and later arrived at Lord's for the official presentation of the Ashes trophy.

Vaughan became the first Englishman to hold aloft the terracotta urn in 18 years after his side's win over their fiercest rivals, but carried a replica during the team's parade.

South Africa-born batsman Kevin Pietersen, who had sealed his team's victory, said: "It's hats off to everyone who was involved."

The Queen earlier hailed England's "magnificent achievement" and Prime Minister Tony Blair, who received the team at Downing Street, told the players they "lit up the whole summer".

Channel 4 revealed that a peak audience of 7.4 million watched the closing minutes of the final Test from 6pm to 6.15pm.

It prompted Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell to confirm there would be a review of broadcasting rights for Test cricket in 2008/9.

A deal concluded by the England and Wales Cricket Board means that until then Test cricket will only be shown on Sky's satellite channels.

* England coach Duncan Fletcher had an extra reason to celebrate after it was confirmed he had been granted British citizenship.

The 56-year-old Zimbabwe-born manager had battled for 15 years for a British passport and it is believed Home Secretary Charles Clarke intervened personally yesterday to ensure the row did not sour the team's success