Heroes’ welcome for Team GB

Britain's victorious Olympic squad were greeted with a heroes' welcome as they arrived at Heathrow Airport in their gold-nosed British Airways plane yesterday afternoon. Team GB, which took Britain's biggest haul at the games for 100 years, were met by Prime Minister Gordon Brown against a backdrop of British flags and the glare of the media.

Triple gold-medal winner cyclist Chris Hoy was mobbed by fans while swimmer Rebecca Adlington seemed stunned by the adulation. "I just can't believe all this," the 19-year-old said. "Before, no one knew my name. Now I'm being invited on the Charlotte Church show and signing autographs. I hope this just shows other young swimmers that if I can do it, they can too."

Meanwhile Lord Moynihan, British Olympic Association Chairman, said that Britain is now in pole position for further success. "We have never sent from these shores such a talented, such a well-resourced and such a well-prepared team."

He added: "I have never seen such an outstanding team spirit. It is the most fantastic platform for building for the London 2012. Congratulations to all our athletes, they deserve our credit."