Heroes on parade

The full details of the England rugby team's victory parade are revealed today.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to descend on London on Monday week to see captain Martin Johnson and his triumphant squad celebrate on an open-top bus tour in what has been named the Sweet Chariot Parade.

The heart of London will be awash with the red and white of England fans, basking in the glory of Saturday's 20-17 victory over Australia.

The world champions, in two vehicles, will travel three miles from Marble Arch to Trafalgar Square, showing off the William Webb Ellis Trophy before meeting the Queen and Tony Blair.

The squad and management will also attend a reception with members and staff of the Rugby Football Union's Council before going on to Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street. Officials said today the parade will start at midday in Marble Arch and proceed down Oxford Street. Paddington is likely to be the easiest and closest station for the public to use to get the first glimpse of the World Cup winners.

The buses will then turn right down Regent St, past Piccadilly Circus Tube station and through into Haymarket and Pall Mall East before arriving in Trafalgar Square at 1pm.

After an amazing 8,000 supporters cheered England off the plane at Heathrow at 5am on Tuesday, far greater scenes of celebration are expected on Monday week.

Roads will be closed and all bus services have been suspended. The Met has advised spectators to spread out and to be aware that they will have to be very early to obtain a place in Trafalgar Square. With terrorism also a concern, a major security operation is being mounted.