Jordanne Whiley and Ellie Simmonds join Team GB Rio Olympic heroes for London celebration
Great Britain's Olympians and Paralympians were welcomed by an estimated 6,000 fans in London today following their record-breaking triumph at the Rio Games.
The event, labelled as 'The Heroes' Return', was the second of their two-day celebration to toast a memorable Olympics and Paralympics which saw both British squads finish second in their respective medal table.
In Rio TeamGB became the first nation to increase its medal haul following its host event as they collected 67 medals - two more than their tally at London 2012 - their best-ever haul from on overseas Olympics. ParalympicsGB then returned with 147 medals, including 64 golds.
On Monday, the athletes took to the streets of Manchester for a 'heroes parade' - where hundreds of thousands of people came out to show their support.
Today, Aldridge swimming sensation Ellie Simmonds posed for photos with teammates as they prepared to celebrate in London's Trafalgar Square.
The region's most successful Paralympian was celebrating taking home the sixth gold medal of her career in this year's Rio games.
While wheelchair tennis star Jordanne Whiley, from Halesowen, posted a 'chaotic video from the state as The Vamps performed to a packed Trafalgar Square.
Tonight, the sporting stars will be welcomed at a reception at Buckingham Palace with the Queen.
The monarch and the Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, will host the event.
The Princess Royal, who is president of the British Olympic Association and a member of the International Olympic Committee, watched the games in Brazil and will meet athletes at the reception. Princess Eugenie and the Duke of York are also expected to attend.
The Queen, who previously praised the Team GB squad for the "magnificent" and "outstanding" performance in Rio, hosted a similar celebration after London 2012.
William, Kate and Harry said the team was an "inspiration to us all, young and old" after their summer success.
"London 2012 was a hard act to follow, but you have made the entire country proud of everything you have accomplished," the Duke and Duchess said in August.
"We all know that this success does not come easy and is the culmination of years of hard work, passionate commitment, sheer grit and determination."
