Congratulations across Cornwall and Devon after England win Women's Euros
Even the lionesses at a Cornish zoo have been celebrating!
Last updated 1st Aug 2022
Congratulations are pouring in from fans, organisations and even tourist attractions across Cornwall and Devon, after England won the Women's Euros final.
The Lionesses beat Germany 2-1 in extra time at Wembley, watched by over 87,000 people.
Plymouth MP Luke Pollard and his family were among those in the crowd, describing it as an incredible achievement.
He said: "Football has come home and my word weren't we cheering it. The crowd at Wembley has so many families, so many young girls cheering for their idols on the pitch; it really was a beautiful thing to watch.
"History's been made, a lot of voices have been lost, a lot of cheers - it has just been a really special day and it was something that our country needed. Things are tough at the moment so we needed to have our spirits lifted".
He went on to describe the tournament as transformative: "For so many young girls watching their idols playing on a world stage and winning - this is utterly transformative. They think it's all over but it's only just begun for women's football in Britain".
That is echoed by Andy Wearne who runs Big Shots Football School in Bodmin but supports schools across Cornwall, as well as pushing girls' football.
He said: "Hopefully now with this inspirational team that we've just seen and watched, it'll encourage so many girls to come into the sport.
"It's been male-orientated for a fair few years now but hopefully now coaches like myself will push and push and push the girls game. We've now got a lot more teams building and women in the league so hopefully this will encourage a lot more to come through.
"When I first started about five or six years ago there was only a few teams. I think now, in my under-15s team that I coach for Bodmin we've got 18 teams I think in that one - and probably close to 100 teams in Cornwall now that play amongst the different age groups".
Adele and The Spice Girls are among who have sent messages of congratulations, as well as The Queen.
Her Majesty said their success goes far beyond the trophy they had so deservedly earned", adding: "You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today and for future generations".
Tweeting with the hashtag #itscominghome, Cornwall Council said: "Congratulations to the @Lionesses on their amazing victory".
Chief Inspector Si Jenkinson from Devon & Cornwall Police said: "Wow, just wow. Absolutely fantastic stuff - huge congratulations".
Even Newquay Zoo have got in on the action, saying their own lionesses are celebrating too!
Their victory is being marked by a special celebratory parade in London's Trafalgar Square.