The sun shone on Bradford as more than 5,000 Bulls fans welcomed home their conquering heroes.

The Bradford Bulls returned from Cardiff with the Powergen Challenge Cup trophy to be greeted by jubilant fans after an epic victory 22-20 victory over arch-rivals Leeds.

The victory, watched by more than 70,000 fans at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, erased the disappointment of last October's Grand Final defeat by St Helens.

The return yesterday saw fans of all ages take to the streets and marked an important day for Bradford as the Bulls united the city in celebration.

And the People's Team lived up to their name with a spectacular homecoming that saw battered and bruised players sign autographs for adoring fans as they congregated to celebrate yet more sporting triumph for the Bulls.

The victory crowned a near-perfect season so far for the Bulls which has seen them unbeaten since February 21 and back at their spiritual home of Odsal.

As the players walked into the square they were given a rapturous applause as Tina Turner's hit single Simply the Best blasted out in the afternoon sunshine.

Lifting the glistening trophy above their heads they were greeted by the Lord Mayor Councillor Richard Wightman.

Fans of all ages cheered and many had a tear in their eyes as the victors mounted the stage outside City Hall.

Captain Robbie Paul thanked the ecstatic fans for their support.

"We are the people's team and the people play a big part for us," he said to the adoring crowd.

The square was a sea of red, yellow and black Bulls flags as supporters sang along to Queen's We Are The Champions before the team left for a civic reception in City Hall.

Before their appearance the crowds were entertained by Pulse FM, Bradford band Raw Ambition, the Bullettes and Nicola Gates, sister of chart-topper Gareth Gates.

"It was a brilliant final and there were so many times when I was scared we'd lose," said Nicola, 17.

"I spoke to Gareth afterwards and he was absolutely delighted.

"I'm so proud to have been able to perform for their welcome home and it's proof that Bradford is great."

Fan Andrew Holmes, of Wyke, sailed to Cardiff after meeting friends on their boat at Bristol and was back in the city with his "Come On You Bulls" banner to applaud the team.

"We were moored at Mermaid Quay, not far from the Millennium stadium, with a gigantic flag on the mast," said the 22-year-old lighting designer.

"The game was incredible. At first I thought we had a 50-50 chance and after four or five heart-stopping moments we were chuffed to bits.

"It certainly was a game I will never forget."

Lifelong Bulls fan Jennifer Crowther was outside City Hall to cheer on her idols after travelling to the Welsh capital to see them steal the nail-biting game.

"It was a fantastic game, it was excellent," said the 22-year-old Abbey National claims advisor of Five Lane Ends.

"I just wish I could have worn my Bulls shirt but it was stolen from the washing-line in my back garden this afternoon and I'd wanted to get it signed today."

Three generations of one Bradford family made the trip to Wales - and back again to Centenary Square.

David Forbes, 65, son Patrick Forbes, 43, and his son Jason Forbes, 21, said they had not taken off their Bulls shirts since the game.

"It was great for us to all see the game together and we'll never forget this weekend," said David, of Eccleshill.

"They're a brilliant team and even though it was a very close game the best team won."

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