Torbay goes yellow and blue to support the Gulls

Seafront lights to shine in Torquay United's colours

Torbay will be glowing yellow and blue as the English Riviera’s seafront lights join the Torquay United promotion play-off party.

With almost 1,000 United fans heading to Hornchurch for Saturday afternoon’s National League South play-off final and thousands more watching the game on big screens at Plainmoor, Torbay Council is getting behind the Gulls.

The leader of the bay’s council said the team took the ‘good wishes of the whole of Torbay’ with them as they headed up the motorway ahead of the big match.

Torquay finished third in the league this season and beat Dorking in a thrilling semi-final last weekend to earn the right to meet Hornchurch in the final. Having finished second in the league, Hornchurch host the final at their home ground in Upminster.

In a letter to United’s co-chairmen Mark Bowes-Cavanagh and Michael Westcott, council leader David Thomas (Con, Preston) and Mayor Cllr Barbara Lewis (Con, Preston) said the club ‘means a great deal to the bay — to supporters, to the wider community, and to the local economy’, adding that the team’s determination and performances this season have been a real source of pride for local people.

The letter also praised the hard work and commitment of the players, management, staff and supporters alike.

Tickets for the away end at Hornchurch sold out in just 34 minutes, and more than 2,000 supporters are set to gather at Plainmoor for the Play-Off Final Watch Part.

Mr Westcott said: “Seeing Torbay lit up in yellow and blue on the eve of the play-off final is a wonderful gesture, and one we know will mean a great deal to our supporters, players, staff and volunteers.

“We are very grateful to Torbay Council, Cllr David Thomas, the Mayor Barbara Lewis, and everyone involved in making this happen.”

Mr Bowes-Cavanagh added: “This football club belongs to the bay. It brings people together, creates pride, supports the local economy and gives our community a shared sense of identity. Whatever happens on Saturday, the backing we have received from across Torbay has been extraordinary.

“Now it is over to our manager Jimmy Ball, the staff and the players, and they will travel to Essex knowing that the whole Bay is behind them.”