Bus tour celebrates Olympic and Paralympic athletes

(L-R) Jack Eyers, Leo McCrea, Matt Aldridge, Bryony Page and Izzy Songhurst were on the bus

Local Olympic and Paralympic athletes have celebrated their success with an open-top bus tour through Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The bus took the five athletes to three Dorset leisure centres: Two Riversmeet in Christchurch, Kings Park in Bournemouth and Rossmore in Poole.

Hundreds of people came along to wave and cheer, or visit the three leisure centres to take pictures and get autographs from the athletes.

Paralympic swimming gold medallist Leo McCrea, who grew up in Poole, said it was "amazing to see everyone coming out to support us".

Residents came along to cheer the athletes on

Izzy Songhurst, who competed in the trampoline event, said: "I don’t think I was expecting that many people to turn up, so it was just amazing to see so many people showing their support."

Fellow trampolinist Bryony Page said she hoped the tour would inspire young athletes.

Jack Eyers, paralympic canoe silver medallist, added: "It’s fantastic. What a turnout and really just massively appreciate all the support and the recognition of what we’ve achieved out in Paris."

The fifth tour member, Matt Aldridge, who won a bronze medal in rowing, said: "I spent a lot of time here at Two Riversmeet leisure centre as a little kid and it’s amazing to sort of see people come out and support you and just give back to the community a bit.

"Even if one kid we’re talking too today picks up a sport then you know that’s all we can ask for."