'Today we felt the ripple effect our promotion has had on the community'

Off-the-pitch work of promotion-winning Valiants hailed at civic reception

- Michael Baggaley

PORT Vale's impact not only on League Two but the city was celebrated on Saturday as they were given a civic reception.

The club will be kicking off next season in League One after winning promotion at the first time of asking, pulling in their biggest league attendance for 27 years along the way.

Meanwhile the Vale Foundation's Baby Bank community scheme to provide essential items for families was named best project in League Two by the EFL.

Home grown players Nathan Smith, Rhys Walters and Jack Shorrock were part of the promotion-winning effort while the women's team are on course for a top-four finish in the West Midlands Premier in their first season after promotion.