Delight for Delia and the fans

[Huckerbys right foot]

Delia Smith's eight-year journey of faith reached its dream destination last night as Norwich City clinched a multi-million pound ticket to the Premiership.

Total joy broke out all over Norfolk as cock-a hoop Canaries fans celebrated their heroes' return to the top-flight after a nine-year exile.

Champagne corks popped and impromptu parties were launched as City's only rivals Sunderland lost 3-0 at Crystal Palace – leaving them unable to catch the men in yellow-and-green.

Fans hooted their car horns as they drove around Norwich, while thousands stayed at Carrow Road long into the night to celebrate the priceless moment after a reserve match.

The landmark moment is a triumph for the fans, players, club officials, manager Nigel Worthington and the directors.

But it is particularly momentous for joint majority shareholders Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones.

For eight years, the husband-and-wife have poured millions of pounds of their own cash into the club – first to keep it in existence as debts spiralled, then to finance a promotion push.

The final effort came in December, when they dug deep to help pay for the signing of star striker Darren Huckerby, whose goals and flair have provided the impetus for City's surge over the finish line.

Last night, a delighted Delia wiped away tears of joy as she said: "We were totally overwhelmed when the moment came. I went to pieces a bit.

"The first thing I wanted to do was congratulate Nigel. I can remember going up to Walsingham, lighting a candle and praying "please make sure we pick the right manager". I think we did that.

"And the players have shown their bottle when everyone was trying to unnerve them. I'm so proud of them."

The celebrity chef added: "Before Michael and I were directors, when we were just season ticket holders, we always seemed to be playing the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. It feels right that we are back now."

Her husband said: "One ritual before every game is to drink to Norwich City, the best football club in the world." He then raised his glass of bubbly, and said: "To Norwich City, the best club in the world."

More than 3000 fans flocked to Carrow Road last night to watch City's reserves play Brentford – but most were there to see goal-flashes from Selhurst Park.

After the reserve fixture finished, the club played Radio Norfolk's Palace commentary over the tannoy system.

As the final whistle blew in South London, Carrow Road erupted. And within minutes, Worthington, Delia and Michael stepped on to the pitch to a rapturous reception.

Worthington said: "Welcome to the Premiership", to huge cheers and chants of "we are Premier League".

A clearly emotional Delia could only manage a big "thank you" before the three went over the Barclay Stand to milk the applause of their adoring fans.

Education Secretary, Norwich South MP and Canaries season ticket holder Charles Clarke added his congratulations.

He said: "I wholeheartedly congratulate the whole of the Norwich City Football Club team on this outstanding achievement.

"It will make a major impact on the whole community in the city and county and shows to everybody what can be achieved with confidence and preparation."