CELEBRITY fans and politicians joined forces today to hail Rovers' heroes.

Rovers legend Ronnie Clayton also praised the efforts of the team.

England international and Rovers favourite Ronnie Clayton said: "It has been an exciting season and the lads have worked very, very hard and last night got their just rewards. "There are lot of youngsters in the team and as they get more experience I think they will do very well in the Premier League. Souness has done exceptionally well and all the players have pulled out the stops and I am very, very proud."

Radio presenter and former TV gameshow host Jim Bowen said: "This has cost me £100 because I bet people it would take two years for Graeme Souness to get them promoted and its only taken one.

"It's lovely to see them back, and it must be thrilling for the team and for the crowd. And it's for Jack in a way.

"Graeme has surprised me. He's got rid of a lot of deadwood, players who were taking the wages and not doing anything. I thought it would have taken longer but he's gone in there and motivated the players."

Blackburn Labour MP and Home Secretary Jack Straw, who was at the last home game on Sunday, said: "It's wonderful and it puts an end to a very depressing period for us. Now for the top of the Premier League."

Rossendale and Darwen Labour MP Janet Anderson said: "It's brilliant, we are back where we belong."

Ribble Valley MP Tory Nigel Evans said his loyalty -- like his constituency -- is split between Rovers and Preston North End. He said: "I'm ecstatic, this is a massive boost for the town and for many of my constituents who are Blackburn Rovers fans.

"Now I hope Preston North End join them in the Premier League through the play-offs."

Hyndburn Labour MP Greg Pope was in Ewood Park on Sunday to see them take that step nearer.

He said: "I have been a Rovers fan all my life and it is wonderful to see them going back up to where they belong.

"Graeme Souness has done a wonderful job as manager turning the side around.

"I am hoping he will continue to breed success there."

Blackburn with Darwen Borough mayor Coun Jack Bury said: "It's a well-deserved promotion. They fought hard for this and ended up with the rightful place for the Rovers and I send my congratulations to the team."

"We can all criticise individual players and we can all praise individual players but they played well as a team.

"The goalkeeper did well for us and stood up as a big man. Graeme Souness has proved himself as a good manager and has done what we would expect of him. He met the challenge."

Phil Watson, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "As a life-long supporter I am delighted the Rovers are back where they belong.

"It is a testament to the determination, nerve, and skill of the directors, management and players, and a great tribute to Jack Walker.

"I also feel the supporters have been magnificent this year. It means so much for local pride and brings all kinds of indirect benefits, particularly in relation to regenerating the borough."