THOUSANDS of people turned out to welcome the world to Weymouth and Portland .

After seven long years of planning, the Olympics are finally underway.

Weymouth beach was packed with crowds for the opening ceremony and the loudest cheers were reserved for the sailors of Team GB, who took to the stage for a heroes’ welcome.

A total of 12 sailors from the Olympic team paid tribute to Weymouth and Portland ahead of their most challenging Games yet.

They were introduced as the ‘most talented group of British sailors ever’ to rapturous crowds of screaming fans.

Coach Stephen Park was first on stage and thanked everyone for their support.

He said: “All the support we get from the crowd here in Weymouth and Portland is great.

“We’ve got the best Sailing team in the world.”

Three-times gold medalist Ben Ainslie said: “This is fantastic, huge thanks to everyone for turning out, it’s great to see so many people here.

“Weymouth and Portland is such a special place, where a lot of us have grown up and learnt to sail.

“We’ve seen it develop over the years and it’s fantastic that it’s part of the Games.”

Nick Dempsey said: “I love Weymouth, I've loved it ever since I moved here in 2001.

“It’s pretty special the Olympics being here and it’s great to share it with the town.”

Throughout the day there were performances on the Beach Live arena ranging from the Coastal Voices choir to a multi-lingual welcome by local schoolchildren.

Holidaymakers, residents and day visitors enjoyed the sunshine while they listened to the live entertainment and watched Olympic-inspired films from the big screen.

Richard Crowe, London 2012 creative programmer for the South West, welcomed the relaxed crowds to the free site as part of the Maritime Mix, Cultural Olympiad 2012.

He geared the crowds up for the evening events which included a special appearance from the Team GB Olympic sailing team.

A film made by local schoolchildren of Wyke Regis Junior School, The Helpful Dead, entertained the scores of families that covered the beach.

Weymouth and Portland ambassador Jacqueline Roberts, of Weymouth, was on hand and volunteered to help out on the day.

She said: “It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the Beach Live Site is a great place to be ahead of the Sailing.”

Students from Weymouth schools gave a multi lingual welcome to visitors at the Olympics opening ceremony.

Pupils at The Wey Valley School, All Saints School, Budmouth College and Royal Manor Arts College spoke in a variety of foreign languages at the live site.

Reece Merrifield said: “It was really good, I got Britain so I got a huge cheer from the crowd.”