Mickey Bushell's golden moment at Paralympics

The 22-year-old from Telford stormed to victory in the T53 100m wheelchair race in a new Paralympic record.

He admitted after the race that he had been close to tears as he crossed the line, after just missing out on gold four years ago in Beijing.

Interviewed on Channel 4 later, he said: "I just haven't got a word for it. Just winning a medal is great, but to do it in front of a home crowd is something special. It's been a hard four years but I have enjoyed it and it's paid off."

He paid tribute to all the people who had helped him to achieve the golden success. He added: "The first one is my family, my parents, my coach Fred and the whole team around me. It all just comes together to produce this."

Mickey's dad Pete, mum Shelley, brother Jason, 10, and sister Chloe, four, were all at the stadium to watch his race.

Mr Bushell said: "Words can't explain how we feel. When we saw him pulling away it was like 'oh God' and when he did it, it was amazing.

"The expression on his face said it all. He really wanted this one."

Social network sites were full of congratulations for the former Lord Silkin School pupil and Telford College student.

Telford can now also look forward to one of the town's postboxes being painted gold, part of Royal Mail's tribute to every individual gold medalist at this year's Games.

• Star Comment - Mickey Bushell a real hero for Shropshire