MORE than 50,000 people could turn out to watch AFC Bournemouth's open-top bus parade along the prom today, the town's mayor said.

A stretch of seafront between Bournemouth and Boscombe's piers is expected to be jam-packed with visitors celebrating the team's historic promotion today.

And Councillor Chris Mayne called on all residents to turn out for the Cherries this Bank Holiday Monday.

He said: "Many people have asked me what the highlight of my year as mayor has been.

"There have been so many wonderful things to choose from, including our fantastic air festival, but I think the team's promotion could well supersede everything else. This is history - it has never happened before, and we are witnessing history in the making."

The Cherries topped the league on Saturday after beating Charlton 3-0 at The Valley, coupled with a dramatic draw for rivals Watford.

Cllr Mayne said: "It is just unbelievably great - the icing on the cake.

"The town should be so proud. I certainly feel extremely proud."

The councillor said he first began to watch AFC Bournemouth games in the 1950s with his father.

"He would never have believed this," Cllr Mayne said.

"It has been an incredible journey for this team. I just don't know if it could have happened without Eddie Howe. "He seems to have exactly the right philosophy. Whatever he's doing, it's working."

Cllr Mayne will spend the day on the seafront, beginning with interviews for major national broadcasters before following the parade along the prom and leading a civic reception at the Pavilion afterwards.

He said: "The reception is for everyone associated with the team, including the staff members who wouldn't usually appear in the papers.

"I think it's going to be a very special day, and I expect it'll be quite emotional."

Asked how many people are likely to attend the event, Cllr Mayne said: "There will be thousands - I'd say between 40,000 and 50,000.

"People want to come along and show their support for the team on such a historic occasion."