MATTHEW Langridge was greeted by hundreds of supporters when he returned home on Saturday after winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Brazil.

The rower, part of Team GB’s men’s eight that stormed to victory in the final race of the regatta, stood at the front of an open-top bus during a short tour through Northwich town centre.

He was joined by cyclist Peter Mitchell, who took silver at the Paralympics in the tandem sprint with Neil Fachie.

Joined on the top deck by their families, they waved to members of a huge crowd that lined a route that started at Verdin Park.

Led by musicians and dancers from Manchester School of Samba, it travelled over Town Bridge and through the Bull Ring before heading along Watling Street.

On-lookers stopped what they were doing to wave at the duo, while some stepped onto the road to follow the bus even after it turned into Meadow Street and down Venables Road before coming to a halt behind Memorial Court.

Langridge and Mitchell were then introduced to excited young fans that had waited patiently in heavy rain for a photograph.

The former was also presented with a scroll by Northwich mayor, Cllr Kevin Rimmer, granting him the freedom of the town.

It is believed the ex-Hartford High School student, who used to live on London Road, is the only resident to have received the award.

The event was organised by Northwich Town Council together with Northwich Rowing Club, where Langridge was a member when he made history as the first British sculler to win in a single at the world junior championships in 2001.

“Never in my wildest dreams, when I was growing up as a boy here, did I imagine that something I did would bring so many people together,” he told the crowd.

“Standing here with you all in front of me makes me feel very proud to call myself a Northwich lad.”

Mitchell, 26, moved to Lostock Gralam last year.

His wife, Naomi, teaches at Winnington Park Primary School while he runs his own cycling coaching company.

He said: “I’ve not lived in the area for long, but in that time I’ve been active and involved in the local community.

“I feel privileged to be here, and am touched by how welcoming Northwich has been to me.”

They then joined invited guests, including Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans, Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Cllr Sam Dixon and David Briggs, the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, at a civic reception inside Memorial Court.

Northwich Guardian:

Pete Mitchell, left, and Matthew Langridge show off the medals they won at the Paralympics and Olympic Games respectively in Rio this summer. Picture: Paul Heaps