Tribute to Beijing stars

Britain's swimmers enjoy the London parade

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Cheering fans and well-wishers gave Britain's Olympic stars a hero's welcome during their victory parade.

More than 350 Beijing athletes took part in the 12-float procession through London led by Britain's victorious cycling team.

Chris Hoy, triple Olympic champion in Beijing, said it was a "great way to say thank you" for all the public's support since the games.

The 32-year-old Scot, along with his fellow cyclists, took pride of place on the lead float as Team GB's record-breaking athletes were honoured.

Hoy has been taken aback by his new-found fame since his triple gold medal haul in Beijing - with even movie stars like Samuel L Jackson swept up by Olympic fever.

Hoy said: "You get stopped in all kinds of places, and people all say nice things, that they have been inspired and you think you may have had an impact.

"I have been asked to do some amazing things, and the most surreal thing which happened was when Samuel L Jackson asked to have his photo taken with me.

"I was presenting an award at the National Film Awards, and when I came off he was backstage and he asked to have a look at the medals.

Amazing

"Then he said, 'Can I get a picture with you?', I was like, 'Are you having a laugh?'

"His son ended up taking the picture, which was amazing.

"I should have asked him for his email address so I could get a copy."

Double Olympic swimming champion Rebecca Adlington, 19, added: "It has been absolutely brilliant.

"Seeing the amount of people who came out was a surprise and it is a little overwhelming really."

Teenage diving sensation Tom Daley had the day off school for the big occasion.

Daley said: "I've had one day off since coming back from China and gone back to school. But today's just amazing.

"This is a pretty big day really and the school lets us off if we have a big day."