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Fans line streets for parade as Norwich City celebrate Championship title win

  /  autty

Norwich City's majority shareholder Delia Smith labelled the club's fans the best in the world as thousands of turned the city yellow and green on Monday in celebration of winning the Championship title.

The Canaries sealed their first piece of silverware since 2004 by beating Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon, Mario Vrancic netting a late winner.

And it was party time in Norwich as supporters lined the streets for the team's victory parade.

'You have to keep pinching yourself, I can't believe it,' Smith said as she addressed the crowd from the balcony at Norwich City Hall.

'I want to say a huge thank you to all of you. It's not just this year. When we went down to League One, we sold the same amount of tickets. They are the best supporters in the world. They always turn up!'

The promoted Yellows had only needed a point to be crowned champions on Sunday but their result was essentially meaningless as second-placed Sheffield United - who required a win for any chance of leapfrogging them - were held at Stoke.

The league's top scorer Teemu Pukki prodded in his 29th goal of the season to give Daniel Farke's men an early lead before Villa drew themselves level when Jonathan Kodjia flicked home Conor Hourihane's low free-kick.

Both sides had chances to take the lead in the second half before Jamal Lewis found Mario Vrancic, who finished coolly in the 86th minute.

'To win the title in front of a sold-out stadium against a very good team, it's almost too romantic but it fits in with our season,' said City manager Farke.

'Most players only have two or three chances to lift a trophy in front of their fans. These moments don't come around too often and you never forget them. We deserved it with 94 points and nearly a hundred goals.'

'It will be a great day but too early because it will be a long night! Credit to the organisers,' added Farke with a smile.

Related: Norwich City