TRIPLE trophy winners Saints are to be honoured with a civic reception and will parade their silverware through St Helens, with the date and details to be finalised.

Saints submitted their proposals to the council after both club and supporters felt the achievement should be granted civic recognition, which had been the case until the Wembley final of 1997 Homecoming celebrations were then switched to Knowsley Road, where the triumphant team were given an ecstatic welcome when they returned from Twickenham on Sunday

However, Saints have listened to their loyal fans and the council readily agreed to play their part in the arrangements, which will include presenting captain Chris Joynt and his side to thousands of supporters in revamped Victoria Square.

Said Saints' Chief Executive, Malcolm Kay: "I was delighted by the positive response of council Chief Executive Carole Hudson.

"Winning the Grand Final, the World Club Challenge and the Challenge Cup within seven months is a unique achievement, and one that I believe will not be equalled. The fact that Saints appeared in the first Challenge Cup Final in 1897 and also won Saturday's 100th showdown, allied to the news that the present trophy is to be consigned to history and replaced, convinces me that a civic recognition is a must." "And it will be another chance for Saints' fans to applaud their heroes, who are deeply appreciative of their incredible support at Twickenham, particularly the euphoria when the final hooter sounded.

"'All at Saints hope that those who got wet were compensated by the magnificent victory", added Mr Kay.