HUNDREDS of families lined the streets of Nailsworth today to welcome their Olympic heroes.

Flag waving crowds cheered and clapped on gold medallist rower Peter Reed and marathon runner Dan Robinson as they travelled through the town on an open top bus, complete with samba band.

The pair first signed autographs at Nailsworth Library as queues of people young and old waited to get their Union flags and Stroud Life newspapers signed by the sportsmen, watched on by their proud families.

Peter, 27, won the gold in the coxless fours at the Beijing games last month, alongside Steve Williams, Tom James and Andy Hodge.

The Royal Navy lieutenant said: “What a wonderful thing to come back to our home town and to have such a response from everybody.

"It really is breathtaking."

Dan who came 24th in the marathon in the gruelling heat, had his wife Jess there on the bus and even their newborn son Jasper was there to share the day.

The proud dad said: "It really does mean a great deal, it is brilliant, thank you so much."

Peter was one of four county Olympians to secure a gold medal at the games.

Tewkesbury rower Zac Purchase won in the lightweight double sculls and he received a similar open top bus parade in the town last week.