King's Lynn's title winning football team will be honoured with a civic reception at the town hall. This will take place on Wednesday 14th May - while there are also hopes of an open top bus parade through the town. The club sealed its first ever Southern League, Premier Division crown following a memorable 2-0 win at Merthyr on Saturday. The Linnets will now play in the Conference second tier next season for the first time in their history. Civic dignitaries have been full of praise for the team's extraordinary success and it is hoped it will be recognised with a fitting celebration in King's Lynn. Elizabeth Nockolds, cabinet member for sports, arts and open spaces at the council, said an invitation for a civic reception had been sent to the club and they had already accepted. She added: "Well done to King's Lynn Football Club. We are really proud of what the club, players and fans have achieved this season. “It's a real testament to their dedication and commitment and it will give a real boost not only to the club but to the town in general. “We have already passed on our congratulations to the club and we are looking forward to giving them a warm welcome at a civic reception to celebrate their success.” Mark Hearle, spokesman for King's Lynn Football Club, said of the call for an open top bus parade: “We would welcome something like that with open arms, but it wouldn't be for the club to decide. The council would obviously have the final say and I've no doubts they will recognise the club's achievement. “I think most people would support any recognition for what manager Keith Webb and the boys have achieved this season.” Among those congratulating the club were Kathy Mellish, Mayor of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, who said: “It is absolutely marvellous and we are obviously very proud of the team. “It raises the profile of the area and shows the high professionalism within our teams. It is a great boost to the town and it proves we have the calibre of sports people which equates to the same as the big cities.” District Supt Nick Dean, of Norfolk police, added: “We want to congratulate the Linnets on their promotion and look forward to working with them in the higher league. “We have always had a close relationship with King's Lynn Football Club whatever division they have been in and I am sure our relationship will continue now they are in the higher league and we look forward to it being enhanced.” The Linnets are hoping a bumper crowd will turn out when Webb's squad parade the championship shield during this Saturday's Ridgeons Premier Division reserve game at The Walks. “We want to reward our fantastic supporters,” said Hearle. “We're expecting a really relaxed atmosphere and a fun day for what will be a big celebration. We want to prolong this feelgood factor. This is an exciting time not just for the football club but the whole town when you look at the re-development around the town centre, new housing schemes and now conference level football. The people of West Norfolk should be proud of the team.”
The club are producing a special match day programme to mark the occasion.
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