WEYMOUTH and Portland's Olympic medallists have returned home to a heroes' welcome.

Gold-medallist Sarah Ayton and her bronze medal-winning colleagues Nick Dempsey, Chris Draper and Simon Hiscocks reunited at a special Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy reception.

It was the first time the quartet had been back together since their world-beating exploits at the Athens Olympics.

Sarah, who with her Yngling keelboat colleagues Shirley Robertson and Sarah Webb won Britain's first gold of the Games, said it was wonderful to be back home.

The 24-year-old from Old Castle Road said: "It was fantastic driving back and seeing banners welcoming us in the road.

"We have worked really hard and to think people have appreciated our medals is amazing." Her fiance Nick, also 24, dramatically won a medal in the last race of the regatta to make the couple become one of the Olympic's most celebrated double-acts.

He said they had been greeted by dozens of cards and wishes from friends and family on their return.

Nick added: "The reception we have had has been amazing, we didn't really know what to expect."

Their fellow bronze medallists Draper and Hiscocks, who won in the 49er dinghy, said they were still tired after their efforts and were looking forward to some time off before competing again.

Draper, 26, who lives in Castletown, said: "It is great to be home and to be able to reflect on everything that has happened.

"I think we are still really tired after Athens, so are looking forward to a bit of time off before sailing again."

The sailors have all spent months training at the academy during the four-year run-up to the Olympics.

South Dorset MP Jim Knight joined emotional Academy staff, civic leaders and more than 40 other guests from the borough to congratulate the quartet on their achievements.

He said: "This really has done a lot for the borough and also London's bid for the 2012 Olympics, which Weymouth and Portland will play a major part in.

"It is important for everyone to get behind the bid, and their medals will hopefully inspire people to do that."

Academy chairman Bill Ludlow added: "It has been a very special day for Weymouth and Portland, and Dorset too.

"The achievements of the sailors have done great things for the borough and the prospects of the Olympic bid for 2012."