Olympic gold medallist Ed McKeever cheered in Wiltshire

Olympic gold medal kayaker Ed McKeever has been welcomed home by crowds of cheering supporters in Wiltshire.

Fans gathered in Bradford-on-Avon where Mr McKeever paid an earlier visit to see the postbox painted gold for him.

The 28-year-old won his medal, which was Britain's 26th gold, in the men's 200m kayak final on 11 August.

Although some 2,000 people turned out, Mr McKeever said: "I was expecting to just see one woman walking past with her dog, and a few school kids."

Ed McKeever said his hands were tired after signing so many autographs

"It has been fantastic. My hands are quite tired now after all the autographs," he added.

Following the achievement, Royal Mail issued a stamp in his honour and painted the postbox gold.

In a short speech, the Bath-born athlete used a loud-hailer to thank people for their support.

He said: "I am very happy that I could go and represent the town, and (am) just overwhelmed by the amount of support that you guys have shown me."