London 2012 Paralympics

Walsall's Paralympic champion, 17 year-old Ellie Simmonds joined us for a chat earlier today and spoke about the honour of a gold postbox in her hometown, Aldridge, as well as her plans for her 18th birthday.

Ahead of today's Great North Run, the annual half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields, ITV News caught up with ParalympicsGB medallist Ellie Simmonds from Walsall.

Ellie, who won two golds, a silver and a bronze in London, was invited to cheer on those taking part in today's event. She says it has been a great summer.

Nottinghamshire welcomed home Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead.

Richard struck gold in the 200m T42 race with a world record time, and made the final of the 100m T42 as well.

He's already had a postbox painted gold in Lowdham to mark his achievements.

He was welcomed home today on an open top bus parade, with a celebration at the Market Square at lunchtime.

Kirkby-in-Ashfield will be welcoming home Paralympic swimmers Ollie and Sam Hynd tonight.

The pair recently won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Paralympic Games.

The event will be organised by Ashfield District Council and will take place in Kingsway Park tonight.

Four-time ParalympicGB medallist Ellie Simmonds has written a message on social networking site saying "Finally home after an amazing Games, sad it is all over but it has been the best few weeks of my life!"

Ellie Simmonds, the 17-year-old from Walsall won silver in the S6 100m freestyle final, gold in the SM6 200m medley and the S6 400m freestyle as well as bronze in the S6 50m freestyle.

Walsall-based Paralympian, Ellie Simmonds, has said she is looking forward to tonight's closing ceremony after an "amazing Games".

Talking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the athlete from Aldridge said: "I am very excited and quite emotional. I am sad that it has ended but I am really looking forward to the closing ceremony tonight and everything I have got to do afterwards. I'm so happy with what I have achieved."

Ellie Simmonds won her fourth medal last night, adding silver to her two golds and bronze medal success at the London Games 2012.

Ellie Simmonds has taken silver in the 100m Free S6, with a time of 1.14.82.

Ellie Simmonds was born and raised in Aldridge, Walsall.