Plymouth Celebrates Athletes

10:31 pm, Wed 19 Sep 2012

Thousands welcome Plymouth's Olympic and Paralympic athletes

Huge crowds gathered in Plymouth this evening to celebrate the city's Olympians and Paralympians.

Diver Tom Daley and swimmer Ruta Meilutyte were among those on an open top bus welcomed by thousands of wellwishers.

Our reporter Bob Cruwys was on board and has sent this report:

5:24 pm, Wed 19 Sep 2012

Parade sets off from Plymouth College

The bus leaves Plymouth College. Credit: ITV Westcountry

Plymouth's Olympic and Paralympic stars on-board the open top bus. Credit: ITV Westcountry

Ruta Meilutyte and Tom Daley proudly show off their Olympic medals. Credit: ITV Westcountry

VIDEO: Olympians return to Plymouth College

11:59 am, Wed 19 Sep 2012

Ruta Meilutyte: Back to reality

11:56 am, Wed 19 Sep 2012

Tom Daley: The support from Plymouth has been incredible

10:19 am, Wed 19 Sep 2012

Ruta Meilutyte: It's good to be back at college

It’s good to get back into my routine at school and inthe pool. It is the same as it was before the Olympics – I still have to be at training by 5.30 a.m., go to lessons, do more training after school and then get my homework done just like everyone else. It definitely helps me keep my feet on the ground.

I want to do my best whether it’s in the pool or in the classroom and I’m always looking ahead to the next goal. To do that I have to focus, knuckle down and work as hard as I possibly can in all areas of my life

– Ruta Meilutyte, Gold Medallist

Plymouth College Headmaster praises Olympians

Representing four different nations, Ruta, Tom, Jade and Jamila truly reflect the increasingly international character of Plymouth College.

They have brought glory to their own countries as well as to Plymouth and the school.

They are an inspiration to a generation of young people around the world and have demonstrated that with hard work and commitment dreams can be achieved.

– Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton.