THOUSANDS of Welsh fans lined the streets of Cardiff this afternoon to welcome home players and staff following an historic Euro 2016 campaign.

Supporters waited for nearly an hour for the Wales team to emerge from Cardiff castle and walk to an open top bus before touring the city centre.

Fans chanted and sang as they waited for the team, with glimpses of the red-shirted players between the battlements of the castle.

The Football Association of Wales hosted the special event for Welsh football fans in Cardiff to celebrate the achievements of Chris Coleman’s squad and staff.

After qualifying for a first major tournament since 1958, Wales finished top of their group that included England, Slovakia and Russia before going on to reach the semi-finals.

The FAW called the support in France and back home “nothing short of remarkable” and said the event gave the chance for players and supporters to celebrate together.

On Friday the team’s flight landed in Cardiff airport at 2.30pm and they then made their way to the castle for 4pm.

Emma Olivari, from Cardiff, watched the homecoming parade. She said: “It means everything.

“I know we didn’t win but I feel we have won anyway because it’s been such a tremendous occasion. I think the Welsh fans have done so well.

“As fans we wanted to say thanks to them for putting on such a great show.”

She added that Wales getting so far through the tournament will inspire a “whole other generation”.

Ali Al-Sudani and his wife Fatima took their baby boy Hassan to the city centre to see the players.

Mr Al-Sudani, who used to go to school with Gareth Bale, says he wished son Hassan had been born in Wales rather than England so he could call himself Welsh.

Following the parade, 33,000 fans gathered at Cardiff city stadium for music from the Manic Street Preachers and then a presentation to the players and staff at 6.45pm.

Chief executive of the FAW, Jonathan Ford, said: “We feel this event is a great way of everyone celebrating what has been a historic period for Welsh football.

“The scenes we have seen both at home and over in France have been fantastic and we hope that our passionate supporters can enjoy another moment with the players to end a memorable few weeks.”