Andy Murray gets a hero's welcome in his home town Dunblane

Andy Murray standing next to his gold painted post box during a walkabout in Dunblane Credit: David Cheskin/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Olympic and US Open tennis champion Andy Murray was given a hero's welcome when he returned to his home town of Dunblane today.

Murray beat Novak Djokovic last week to win his first Grand Slam title. That victory came weeks after he beat Roger Federer to take the Olympic men's title at the London 2012 Games.

Thousands of people lined the streets of Dunblane, near Stirling, with Scottish flags and homemade placards to celebrate the 25-year-old's golden summer of success.

Even though they had spent hours waiting in the rain, the weather failed to dampen the party atmosphere as fans cheered and chanted Murray's name

ITV's News' Scotland Correspondent Debi Edward reports.

Local school children meet their hero Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
Andy Murray with a well done card given to him during his walkabout Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Cameron Reid-Thomas, 11, from Dunblane, 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."

Jonathan Beher, seven, from Dunblane, said: "Andy's my hero, I want to be just like him."

Andy Murray has his face licked by a dog Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

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."

Murray also took time to take part in a knockabout with youngsters at his old tennis club.

Andy Murray plays at his old tennis club in Dunblane Credit: David Cheskin/PA Wire
Andy Murray dropped down on his hands and knees to play with children Credit: ITV News/Debi Edward

Local MSP Keith Brown, who called for the tennis player to be given the Freedom of Dunblane and Freedom of Stirling, said: