Hero's welcome for Andy Murray (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Hero's welcome for Andy Murray

2:53pm Sunday 16th September 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

Olympic and US Open tennis champion Andy Murray has been given a hero's welcome when he made a triumphant return to his home town.

Crowds packed into the bunting-lined streets of Dunblane, near Stirling, with Scottish flags and homemade placards congratulating the town's favourite son. Thousands chanted his name and cheered after waiting hours in wet weather.

They were rewarded for their patience, with Murray appearing to sign as many autographs as possible as he slowly walked along through the town.

The 25-year-old is celebrating a golden summer of success with locals just days after returning to the UK after beating Novak Djokovic to win the US Open. That victory came weeks after he beat Roger Federer to take the Olympic men's title at the London 2012 Games.

Cameron Reid-Thomas, 11, from Dunblane, was among those who waited to welcome the champion. He said: "We're Andy's biggest fans, we all came here to see him and say well done. It's huge for all his fans to see him back here. He doesn't get back often because he's always training and playing tournaments."

Fans in Dunblane have continually backed Murray in his search for a grand slam title and regularly gather in pubs and clubs in the town to watch important matches.

Before his return home, Murray said: "I can't wait to get back to Dunblane to where it all began and share my US Open victory with everyone and thank them for all the support. It's definitely going to be emotional, but it's a very special place for me."

Murray did not attend Friday's official victory parade for Scotland's Olympians and Paralympians in Glasgow, having been advised to take a couple of days of complete rest at home after playing continuously for four months.

The crowd's excitement peaked as Murray posed next to the High Street postbox painted gold in honour of his Olympic victories. The tennis ace grinned and held aloft his medals before handing them to waiting schoolchildren who gasped before trying on the silver and gold themselves.

Local MSP Keith Brown, who called for the tennis player to be given the Freedom of Dunblane and Freedom of Stirling, said: "The feel-good factor in Dunblane was tremendous. It was clear Andy was enjoying the three hours signing autographs and getting his photo taken with people. Andy has had a superb year and it was a privilege to be part of the hundreds of local people turning out to welcome him back to Dunblane."