Joyful pandemonium broke loose last night—horns tooted, bands played, crowds cheered, sang and danced. The Newberry Little League team had returned home with the Eastern regional division crown, one step closer to a Little League World Seried championship.

Newberry yesterday became the first Williamsport team to advance to the World Series since the series became international in scope. The city team defeated Smithtown, N.Y. in the Eastern championship game at Belleville, N.J.

With the victory the local club also became the sixth member of the exclusive eight-team field that will compete beginning Tuesday for the 23rd annual world title before thousands of fans at Howard J. Lamade Memorial Field, South Williamsport.

The Newberry team arrived at the home ballpark where three to four thousand fans and well-wishers met the boys shortly after 11 p.m. yesterday.

The bus carrying the team had been met a few miles south of city by an escort including city and state police. A ribbon of cars followed the entourage through the city as it snaked its way to the Newberry Little League field.

Mayor Richard J. Carey, complete with baseball cap, rode on the team bus to the field which was lit by emergency lighting. The mayor who had returned from Bellville boarded the bus when it was met by the police escort.

After the thunderous reception by the fans, members of the team and their families had lunch at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, near the Newberry field.

The Little League World Series begins Tuesday with the East facing the West in the opening game.

Compiled by Lou Hunsinger Jr.