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ParalympicsGB team return to heroes' welcome

Members of the ParalympicsGB team have been greeted by flag-waving fans at Heathrow Airport after their hugely successful Rio Games.

The team, which won 64 gold medals, sported their medals as they touched down in London to the heroes' welcome.

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Pet terrier gives triple-gold Paralympian the run around

Bethany Firth was eventually showered in licks by her pet dog Russell after he initially dodged her.

Triple gold-winning ParalympianGB swimmer Bethany Firth earned the warmest of homecoming welcomes from her Yorkshire terrier - but only after he had given her the run around at Belfast City Airport.

Pet dog Russell darted out of the clapping crowds and straight past his celebrated owner, who became Britain's most decorated medallist of Rio 2016 with three golds and a silver.

The 20-year-old's disappointment did not last long before he was passed to her from the crowd for a licking frenzy.

Simmonds can't wait for pyjamas and nice food at home

Ellie Simmonds has told ITV News she cannot wait to "chilling, relaxing and catching up on sleep" after her hectic but hugely successful Rio 2016.

The swimmer, who sported her gold and bronze medals in front of the flag-waving crowds at Heathrow Airport, revelled in the return, saying: "It's so nice to just be back home."

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Queen issues praise as ParalympicsGB heroes fly home

The Queen has offered her "warmest congratulations" to Britain's Paralympic athletes for a "magnificent performance" at Rio 2016.

Melissa Reid earned a big hug after arriving at Heathrow Airport. Credit: PA

The Rio Games saw ParalympicsGB win 64 golds, the most by a British team since 1988, and a total of 147 medals.

Kadeena Cox was greeted by members of her family at Terminal 5. Credit: PA

"The magnificent performance of ParalympicsGB this year reflects the talent and commitment of the athletes and their support teams," Her Majesty said.

Pam Relph enjoyed an animal reunion. Credit: PA

"I send my good wishes to all those who have contributed to the success of these memorable Games."

David Weir was welcomed by his family, including his newborn son Lenny. Credit: PA

'Two Ellies' lead more golden ParalympicsGB arrivals

Multiple-swimming medallists Ellie Simmonds and Ellie Robinson have led athletes off the second flight carrying ParalympicsGB heroes to land today at Heathrow Airport.

Ellie Robinson, left, and Ellie Simmonds were among the swimming successes for ParalympicsGB at Rio 2016. Credit: British Airways
Ellie Simmonds posed with Last Leg presenter Adam Hills, who dyed his hair after losing a bet on Australia's performance compared to ParalympicsGB. Credit: British Airways
Veteran gold medallist Richard Whitehead entertained fellow flyers with some acrobatics. Credit: British Airways

'I had so much pressure on me going to the Games'

Equestrian golden girl Sophie Christiansen has said repeating her London 2012 medal success in Rio brought her "pure relief".

Clutching her medals, she told ITV News' Amy Lewis how it felt to return to London a winner once again.

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ParalympicsGB return on gold-nosed 'victoRIOus' plane

A group of 300 ParalympicGB athletes and support staff flew home on the same gold-nosed aircraft - dubbed 'victoRIOus' - that brought Team GB home last month.

As the athletes disembarked a number of medallists, including Sarah Storey, Will Bayley, Lee Pearson and Hannah Cockroft, proudly posed for a photo with their medals.

A group of ParalympicsGB medal winners enjoyed their homecoming. Credit: British Airways
Sarah Storey and Will Bayley led the medal winners off the flight as they received applause from BA staff. Credit: British Airways

Rio events not lost on Storey despite lack of translation

Dame Sarah Storey has told ITV News how she became "absorbed" in the Paralympic TV experience despite not understanding "a word" of the Brazilian coverage.

The triple gold winner in Rio also hailed the reception she received after returning to Heathrow Airport as GB's most decorated female Paralympian.

'I can't wait to see my mum': ParalympicsGB team return

The first medal winners from ParalympicsGB have received huge cheers as they made their way through arrivals at Heathrow Airport.

Table tennis gold medal winner Will Bayley - who had an eventful flight home - told ITV News he couldn't wait to see his mum after being back "in the country that I love".

Table tennis golden boy told off after mid-air challenge

Will Bayley earned a joking flight warning for over celebration. Credit: British Airways

ParalympicsGB table tennis golden boy Will Bayley raised smiles but earned a mild rebuke from air staff after a bit of mischief on the flight back home from Rio 2016.

After proving his ping pong prowess in a challenge, he accepted his celebrating went too far, saying: "When I was on the table I was thinking what am I doing up here?"

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