THE people of High Wycombe lined the town's streets to welcome home their FA Cup heroes.

Hundreds of people turned out as a double-decker bus brought the players from Adams Park to the Guildhall in the town centre in celebration of reaching the semi-finals of the world's most famous domestic cup competition.

Fans were decked out in the now famous blue of the Chairboys, creating a party atmosphere along the High Street.

Speeches from dignitaries, including David Cox, Chairman of Wycombe District Council, and mayor Mahboob Hussain, took second place to the fans and the players.

Supporters were given an opportunity to get autographs before the players were introduced individually by club press officer Alan Hutchinson.

Goal hero and team captain Keith Ryan thanked the fans for turning out.

He added: "We gave it our all on Sunday, it was not quite good enough but we would not have been able to do it without the fans thanks for coming.

"It has been a fairtytale for me."

Comedy moment of the evening was provided by town mayor, Cllr Hussain, who mistook goalkeeping hero Martin Taylor for myopic snooker star Denis Taylor.

He said: "They must have had the Liverpool team really worried.

"I feel very proud to be the mayor of High Wycombe."

The rest of the mayor's speech was drowned out by chants of "there's only one Denis Taylor" as fans revelled in the error.

Blues boss Lawrie Sanchez said he hoped the magnificent turn-out for the semi-final could be reproduced for Wycombe's crucial end-of season run-in.

He added: "We have a lot of hard work left to do this season."

The crowd was packed with families and eight year-old Ryan Allister, who was there with his father, Steve, said he was glad to be able to cheer on the boys in blue.

He added: "I went to the game on Sunday with my Dad.

"I think Wycombe did very well for a second division team.

"It's good for a small team to get so far in the FA Cup.

"I go to nearly all the games but I like Manchester United as well."