AFC Bournemouth’s promotion-winning team will get an open-top bus tour of the town, it is hoped.

Community leaders are also hoping that Cherries’ promotion to the second tier of English football will bring a big boost to the town.

The club was promoted to the Championship on Saturday and will play at its highest level since 1987 next season.

And that will bring with it increased exposure for the club, with the probability of more televised games and larger away crowds from some of the country’s biggest teams.

Mayor Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts yesterday told the Daily Echo that he hoped to give the team an open-top bus ride around the town to celebrate their achievement.

Cherries, playing at the second level for only the second time in their history, can look forward to entertaining the likes of former top-flight sides such as Birmingham City, Derby County, Middlesbrough and Leeds United, as well as three teams relegated from the Premier League, almost certain to include QPR and Reading.

Bournemouth’s Mayor, Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts, who said he had worked in various roles at Cherries over the years, from groundsman to programme-seller, said: “I was there and I’m still recovering – I couldn’t believe it.

“For a lot of people in Bournemouth and at the stadium it was very emotional.

“It will be a positive benefit for Bournemouth and it’s fantastic. The town should be very proud of them.

“With the club in the Championship there are a lot of opportunities out there for businesses. I hope to arrange an open-top bus ride and a reception at the Mayor’s Parlour.

“It gives the whole town a boost.”

Paul Clarke, chairman of Bournemouth Accommodation and Hotel Association, said: “It will give a bigger profile to the town and there will be people possibly staying in the town for longer.

“It’s good all-round for the town and the exposure for Bournemouth to the country will be fantastic.”

Mandy Payne, president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trace and Commerce, added: “It’s the benefit of exposing Bournemouth to a wider audience and the benefits from an economic view are there.

“If the football team has confidence the town has confidence.”