The team from the city ravaged by Hurricane Katrina beat Indianapolis Colts 31-17, coming from behind to win their first Super Bowl trophy and cement a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.

It sparked wild celebrations among the Saints players and fans at the stadium in Miami, and even wilder scenes in New Orleans itself where people packed the streets after the final whistle.

After receiving the trophy, emotional team owner Tom Benson said: "New Orleans is back and this shows the whole world we're back."

Saints' inspirational leader, quarterback Drew Brees added: "We knew we had the entire city, and maybe the entire country behind us."

Victory was sealed with just minutes left after Saints corner Tracy Porter intercepted a Colts pass and sprinted 74 yards for a touchdown, putting the score out of reach.

New Orleans was one of the worst affected areas by Katrina because it is below sea level and protected by levees. About 1,400 people drowned in the ensuing floods, with more than a million left homeless.

The Saints' home stadium, the Superdome, became a temporary refuge for thousands of inhabitants and a potent symbol of the city's ruin.

Since then, much of New Orleans has been rebuilt and hundreds of thousands of people have returned.

Veteran British rockers The Who provided the half-time entertainment at what was the 44th Super Bowl, drawing loud cheers with their performances of Pinball Wizard, Baba O'Reilly and Who Are You.