Newcastle Falcons have been promoted to the Aviva Premiership after beating Bedford Blues in the RFU Championship final.

Tries from Ryan Shortland and Alex Tait, plus a further 21 points from the boot of Jimmy Gopperth, helped Newcastle to a 31-24 win at Kingston Park.

Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards believes that the Tyneside club, who were relegated last season, can now go on to re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the top flight.

"It's job done tonight," Richards told Sky Sports News. "I'm really pleased for the players - they've been outstanding.

"They've acquitted themselves well throughout the year, but let's start looking towards next year now.

"Premiership rugby is what we strive for. You want to play at the highest level and we'll get up there and hopefully stay up there - and not just stay there but flourish. The world's your oyster once you get up there."

Richards took charge at Kingston Park in August 2012, when his three-year ban for his involvement in the Harlequins Bloodgate scandal expired.