Football fever took over Croydon town hall as the building was decked out in Crystal Palace colours ahead of the team's FA Cup final clash with Manchester United.

A flag bearing the Eagles’ crest was raised above the council's Katharine Street headquarters and bunting festooned over the building as the borough builds up to Saturday's match at Wembley - the team's first FA Cup final in 26 years.

A banner reading "Wishing Crystal Palace FC luck in the FA Cup Final on Saturday" and "go Eagles" has been hung over town hall's main entrance.

Despite the damp and dreary conditions, council leader Tony Newman - an Eagles scarf draped around his neck - was in smiling spirits as the flag was hoisted into the air on Tuesday morning.

RELATED: Town hall to be decked out in Crystal Palace's red and blue as Croydon gears up for FA Cup final

He was joined by Labour cabinet colleagues Alison Butler and Mark Watson, as well as outgoing mayor Patricia Hay-Justice.

Speaking to the Croydon Guardian last week, Cllr Newman said everyone who works in the council was wishing Palace "all the luck in the world" for Saturday's cup final.

He added: “From the town hall we are going to reinforce that message by decking the town hall in the Palace colours next week at some point and fly the Crystal Palace flag.

“It is absolutely brilliant for the town, there is a real buzz around the place.

“I am meeting lots of people around the town and everyone is starting to talk about it now.”

Palace fans transformed Wembley into a sea of red and blue with a display of flags and balloons ahead of Pardew’s men securing their spot in the final with a 2-1 win over Watford on April 24.

The Eagles’ last FA Cup final, in 1990, was also against Manchester United.

What are you doing to get ready for the cup final? Email daniel.omahony@newsquest.co.uk