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ST HELENS Council and Saints have held talks over a potential homecoming parade – if Saints were to be victorious at the Challenge Cup final later this month, the Star understands.

No plans have been set in stone, however, it is believed civic leaders will want to keep with tradition and give the club an open top bus tour, should they defeat Warrington on Saturday, August 24 at Wembley.

Saints last won at Wembley in 2008 and this is the first Challenge Cup final since the club left Knowsley Road and moved to their new stadium.

If Saints win, it is likely a parade will take place on the Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the club has been delighted by the growing momentum in the town as the final approaches.

Ticket sales are believed to be extremely strong and families are expected to travel in their droves to the capital.

With many supporters having snapped up tickets directly from the Rugby Football League ahead of the semi-final against Halifax, it is unclear exactly how many Saints fans will be at the showpiece, but club sources are confident the red and white will outnumber the primrose and blue.

The Star’s call for fans to paint the town red and white as a show of support is also being heeded by plenty of fans and businesses.

- Next week’s St Helens Star will include a 16-page pre-Wembley supplement, written by Star sportswriter Mike Critchley.

Among the highlights will be in-depth interviews with legendary former Saints player and BBC commentator Ray French.

Mike has also been speaking to Saints skipper James Roby and Mark Percival.

The newspaper will be available in shops priced 50p.

Star editor Andrew Kilmurray said: “It’s traditional for the Star to produce a Wembley supplement and Mike has been crafting some brilliant features which I’m sure will keep readers informed and entertained as they travel down to Wembley on the coach or train.”

Star online will feature daily stories building up to the occasion.