The gold and bronze medal-winning swimmer arrived in a black Mercedes accompanied by his mum Helen, dad Daryl and younger brother Ollie.

On arrival, the record-breaking swimmer greeted the crowds, many of whom were youngsters from Ashfield's swimming clubs, before joining his family, chairman of Ashfield District Council May Barsby and his coaches on stage.

Sam told the cheering crowd: 'I love you all!', before describing his experience at Beijing's Paralympic Village.

"It was fantastic – the village was huge and there was even a McDonalds."

• Click on the green play icon to watch a photo slideshow of Sam's homecoming.

And Sam was deservedly proud of his achievements, adding: "I am only 17 but I managed to beat people who were 20 or 21 so that was great."

Proud dad Daryl said: "Beijing was an amazing experience and we all just supported each other."

The talented teenager, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, was then presented with a special Ashfield District Council gold card, which entitles him to use leisure centres for free.

He was also given a plaque containing the Seal of Ashfield, commissioned by Coun Barsby, which recognises his achievements, as well as a watch.

• Click here to watch a video report about Sam's homecoming.

Sam then raised the flag outside the council offices for the 2012 Olympics before going back to speak to his many fans.

After the ceremony, Sam told Chad: "I got back last Thursday and it has been absolutely brilliant. It's soaking wet but people have still come out."

And despite his success, Sam is still keen to get back into the water and continue his training.

"I will be having a light session on Wednesday and Thursday but will spend the rest of the week just chilling," he added.

Sam, who trains at Mansfield's Water Meadows and is a product of Mansfield District Council's Swimming Development programme, is a member of Sutton Swimming Club and also swims for Mansfield Nova.