THE great and good of Bolton have been celebrating the club’s return to the Championship.

Bolton Council leader, Cliff Morris, said: “Really proud of the Whites. They’ve proven themselves and there is such a feeling of real town pride for the effort they’ve put in.

“This is great for Bolton. We’re behind our team - it has been a long battle to get back on form - but it’s a great boost to those that have kept faith and cheered them on all the way.”

Many former players took to Twitter to congratulate the side on their promotion.

Ex-striker Eidur Gudjohnsen said he was ‘delighted for everyone’ while Radhi Jaidi also congratulated the team, with former loanee Wellington Silva wishing the side well and telling them to enjoy it.

Stuart Holden said: “Well done - one more to go next season and back where we belong!!! Congrats everyone involved, great day.”

Comedian and avid Whites fan, Stu Francis, said: “I feel great. It’s absolutely great.

"Many many congratulations to everyone at the club.”

Bolton councillor John Walsh, who is a season ticket holder at the Macron, was also celebrating.

He said: “It is a fantastic culmination to a very very good season. I thought the team handled the pressure extremely well, they scored three very good goals, it was a pleasure to watch it.

“Congratulations to the team, it is a fantastic achievement to go up at the first time of asking.”

He added that he hoped the success would keep fans coming back next season.

Comedian Dave Spikey was also celebrating, commenting: “Awesome season against all the odds. Thank you.”

Vernon Kay was also enjoying the occasion, simply posting ‘lovely’ on Twitter.

Bolton councillors Andy Morgan and Nick Peel took to Twitter to congratulate the Whites as did Greater Manchester mayoral candidate Andy Burnham.

Musician Danny Jones and former striekr Kevin Davies also took to Twitter to congratulate the team.