Dunblane serves up hero's welcome for golden boy Andy Murray

Olympic and US Open tennis champion Andy Murray was given a hero's welcome when he made a triumphant return to his home town on Sunday.

Crowds packed into the bunting-lined streets of Dunblane with Saltires and homemade placards congratulating the town's favourite son.

The thousands who chanted his name and cheered after waiting hours in wet weather were rewarded for their patience, with Murray spending hours signing as many autographs as he could as he walked through the town.

The 25-year-old is celebrating a golden summer of success with locals just days after returning to the UK after beating Novak Djokovic to win the US Open.

That victory came weeks after he beat Roger Federer to take the Olympic men's title at the London 2012 Games.

Speaking after the parade, Andy said: "I had no idea what to expect, so to see so many people show up and show such support and hang around for so long in the rain and cold weather was unbelievable.

"The last week I haven't been thinking about tennis much - I've just been relaxing and I'll get back onto the court in the next few days. That's when I'll see how I'm feeling.

"I'd hope that from winning the US Open I've gained some confidence and I need to try to keep the momentum with me till the end of the year.

"I've got to go back to London tonight but I spent some time with my mum last night, I had a nice lunch with my dad and I saw my grandparents before this. It's been great to see them."

Talking to STV News, the young Scot added: "It was an amazing atmosphere and amazing support from everybody. So it was worth it.

"This is where everything started for me and all of my family are here.

"When I speak to them, when I'm away playing tournaments in all parts of the world, they always tell me how supportive everyone is, how behind me they are.

"For me, it was just important to come back to where I grew up ... I hope everyone enjoyed it."

Dunblane boy Cameron Reid-Thomas, 11, was among those who waited to welcome the champion.

He said: "We're Andy's biggest fans, we all came here to see him and say well done.

"It's huge for all his fans to see him back here. He doesn't get back often because he's always training and playing tournaments."

Seven-year-old Johnathan Beher, also from Dunblane, said: "Andy's my hero, I want to be just like him."

Neil Yarwood, 41, travelled from Perth with his wife Rhona and daughters Robyn, seven, and Iona, nine.

He said: "I've never seen Dunblane High Street like it. The atmosphere is fantastic.

"We're here to see Andy and give him the respect he deserves. He's had a great year and we're so proud of him."

Fans in Dunblane have continually backed Murray in his search for a Grand Slam title and regularly gather in pubs and clubs in the town to watch important matches.

Murray did not attend Friday's official victory parade for Scotland's Olympians and Paralympians in Glasgow, having been advised to take a couple of days of complete rest at home after playing continuously for four months.

The crowd's excitement peaked as Murray posed next to the High Street postbox painted gold in honour of his Olympic victories.

The tennis ace grinned and held aloft his medals before handing them to waiting schoolchildren who gasped before trying on the silver and gold themselves.

Murray admired the posters they had created to welcome him home before continuing his tour of the town towards the tennis club where his sporting career began.

Local MSP Keith Brown, who called for the tennis player to be given the Freedom of Dunblane and Freedom of Stirling, said: "The feel-good factor in Dunblane was tremendous. It was clear Andy was enjoying the three hours signing autographs and getting his photo taken with people.

"He was smiling non-stop. He walked for over three hours meeting the crowds.

"Andy has had a superb year and it was a privilege to be part of the hundreds of local people turning out to welcome him back to Dunblane.

"Everybody was very excited to see him and give him the welcoming home he deserved."

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