IN PICTURES: Painting Walsall red as Wembley beckons

And the icing on the red velvet cake was the Johnstone's Paint trophy itself parading through the town before making a tantalising appearance at the Banks's Stadium.

The big clash with Bristol City in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final takes place on March 22 – and 28,000 of Walsall's finest will make their way down to London.

As part of the celebrations, businesses, schools and charity shops are getting all decked out in red banners, flags and bunting.

Yates's in Leicester Street is getting into the spirit of things with the decorations and is gearing up to host an evening with ex-Walsall and Arsenal player Paul Merson on Monday.

Staff will also be opening at 6am on match day to allow fans to have breakfast before coaches leave the venue and head to the home of football.

Luke Dobson, team leader, said: "We wanted to get involved in painting the town red to get the excitement up for the first time Walsall have got to Wembley. It's brilliant.

"I've been a Walsall fan since I was little and will be going to the match. Everyone at the pub has been getting in the spirit."

Trader and mother-of-three Tracy Ball has set up a pitch in Park Street to sell scarves, flags, hats and other memorabilia.

The 52-year-old, of Rugeley, said: "The fans are getting more and more excited.

"As time goes on I expect more and more shops will be getting dressed up to show their support.

"I think it's fantastic they've got to Wembley and the merchandise has been selling well. It's put the town on the map.

"We need to get behind the team and paint the town red."

Walsall supporter and great-grandmother-of-four Edna Sutton has already bought herself a special Walsall shirt to wear and will be cheering on the team on March 22.

The 83-year-old, of Bloxwich Road, Leamore, said: "It's marvellous. I'm a big fan and so are my sons and grandsons. I never thought it was going to happen. I'm very proud.

"I can't get to the match but I'll be cheering them on from Walsall."

Staff at Arcade Florist, in The Arcade, have made a special Saddlers floral arrangement to display in the shop and will be creating a themed window display as the date of the big game gets closer.

Shop assistant Katie Wood, aged 74, of Green Lane, Walsall, said: "I'm a fan. I think it's marvellous that they are going to Wembley.

"It's good for the town and a great achievement for the team. I hope they win.

"There's been a great atmosphere in the shops and pubs about it all."

In Bloxwich, Jackie Waddison, who owns Jeneve Bridal Wear in the High Street, showed her support for the team by making a special dress with Walsall flags for her shop window display.

The 43-year-old, of Bloxwich, said: "We did it just to support Walsall. It took about an hour to make it and it's attracting lots of interest.

"Two people have been into the shop asking if they can buy it."

Katie Parker, aged 19, of Broad Lane, Bloxwich, added: "It's great to see the excitement growing. It's really good for Walsall."

The Johnstone's Paint trophy was taken on a two-day tour of Walsall before heading to Bristol today.

Last night, fans had the chance to have their pictures taken with the trophy at Banks's Stadium ahead of a meet-and-greet with players and a forum, where Saddlers boss Dean Smith and special guests answered questions from fans.

On Monday, the coveted cup was taken to Delves Junior School and displayed at the Johnstone's Decorating Centre in Queen Street.

However, as a result of the mass exodus predicted for March 22, minibuses in the borough are in short supply.

Scores of hire companies have already seen their vehicles fully booked as groups of fans prepare to travel to the national stadium.

Admiral Self Drive Hire in Bloxwich Lane has seen the 10 minibuses it has available already snapped up by fans for that weekend.

It has a fleet of nine and 17-seaters which cost between £200 and £300 to hire.

Manager Chris Westwood said there had been an immediate interest in minibuses as soon as Walsall reached the final."All of them are going to Wembley," he said. "When it comes to football, when your team gets to play at Wembley, it is a special occasion."

The final will be the first time that the club has appeared at Wembley in its 127-year history. More than 35 official club coaches will head to London for the game.

But don't worry, a few people will remain in the town on the big day - namely the famous hippo, who, if you hadn't already guessed, is painted red.

We want to hear from the fan making the longest trip to Wembley, if you think this might be you then email newsdesk@expressandstar.co.uk