AN open top bus tour is being planned to mark one of the regions teams return to the Football League.

Hartlepool United will celebrate its return to the Football League with a 90-minute parade taking place on Friday, June 25 –starting at 5pm to allow families to enjoy the occasion.

The Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, Councillor Shane Moore, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to see Pools back in the Football League and I hope residents will welcome the opportunity to safely cheer their heroes.

“We’re still working on the exact detail of the parade route and will announce further details in the next 24 hours.”

Raj Singh, Hartlepool United Football Club Chairman, said: “We’re very grateful to the Council for honouring the club in this way.

“Hartlepool United fans never disappoint and we know they’ll want to give the players the support they deserve.

“The open top bus parade is also a chance for us to say thank you to fans across Hartlepool – a truly unique group of people at the heart of our club.”

The parade route – which will cover as many areas of the town as possible to enable residents to remain socially distanced – will be announced via the Council’s website at hartlepool.gov.uk. The route will also be promoted at facebook.com/hartlepoolcouncil