Man City in Premier League Victory Parade

Man City players parade the EPL trophy to their fans in the city of Manchester

Tens of thousands of Manchester City fans are lining the streets for a victory parade celebrating the club winning the Premier League title.

City clinched the championship - their first since 1968 - with a dramatic 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, piping local rivals Manchester United, reports the BBC.

Players came on to the stage outside Manchester Town Hall to rapturous applause from City supporters.

They then set out on a 1.8-mile open-top bus parade through the city centre.

Before boarding the bus, the players thanked the supporters then the team held the Premier League trophy aloft to the crowd accompanied by Queen's We are the Champions.

Captain Vincent Kompany told the fans in Albert Square: "We want to say thank you to you guys. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Winger Adam Johnson said: "Everything we did was for the fans. It's good we can repay them with trophies."

Fans waited for their arrival in Albert Square by watching highlights of the nail-biting win - and celebrating the goals with as much jubilation as when they were scored.

Craig Smith, 21, of Colwyn Bay in North Wales, said it is an "amazing feeling" to be part of the celebrations.

He said: "I've come to Manchester to see the champions of England.

"It would have been a massive day anyway but after the drama it's even better."

Andrew Hyland Withington is with his daughter Isabelle, eight, to cheer on the newly crowned champions. Withington admitted shedding tears during Sunday's match.

"It was unbelievable, typical City.

"My emotions were all over the place there were tears of desperation then so much relief when the final goal went in."

City had led the league for much of the season but were overtaken by United, who were eight points clear with six games to go. But the Old Trafford side dropped points in their last few games and City went into the final day knowing a win would make them champions.

But QPR led 2-1 after 90 minutes and Manchester City needed two injury-time goals to win the game and clinch the title.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said the parade was time for the fans to "enjoy [the] historic moment".

He said: "Having the city's two clubs contest the title has brought Manchester worldwide attention and helped boost tourism revenues.

"It's been a nail-biting finish to the season and the council [were] ready to support a parade whichever club triumphed.
Manchester City fans Fans watched highlights of the dramatic win over Queens Park Rangers

"This parade is an opportunity for Man City fans, who have experienced countless ups and downs over the years, to celebrate a resounding success."

Over the years City have been mocked by United fans, who, until City's FA Cup win last year, had documented their wait for a trophy with a banner at Old Trafford's Stretford End.

When Manchester United were eight points clear in early April, leading High Street bookmaker Betfred, founded by United fan Fred Done, paid out more than £500,000 to punters who had backed the Red Devils.