It came two days after both returned to the pool following their achievements in Beijing with Sam saying his inspiration for the next four years was the thought of appearing at London 2012.

Fellow Mansfield Nova Paralympics swimmer Charlotte Henshaw, who came fourth in her event in Beijing, was at University in Stirling and unable to attend last night's events.

The other two Mansfield Paralympians, Chris Martin and Arnie Chan, were also missing.

Nevertheless, it was an entertaining evening that underlined the strength of the county's sporting structure. And NCC chairman Coun Joan Taylor drew applause when she revealed the county council have found extra funding to help elite athletes towards even more success at London 2012.

One young man very excited by the prospect of 2012 is Kirkby's Paralympics gold medal winner Sam Hynd who said: "After Beijing London has a lot to live up to, but I feel confident we can do it.

"It would be amazing to be part of it. All my mates would jump in their cars and come down there to watch me.

"Swimming at 2012 would even top Beijing and I am so looking forward to it. It will be my inspiration for the next four years.

"But I have a lot of small steps to take to actually get there.
"There are the World Shortcourse Championships in Rio de Janeiro next year which is the next big one.

"And I need to qualify for that though I am confident I can do.

"I do feel I have a faster swim in me still. I was a little disappointed not to have gone faster than I did in my final as I was only a couple of tenths quicker than my morning swim.

"But I won gold so I can't complain.

"It has been a complete dream since. It's all been a bit of a whirlwind since I got back – TV, radio, welcome parties.

"It was just a phenomenal experience. China did everything well – everything was on time. It was an amazing experience."

Sam was back in the pool on Monday and will build up quickly to his regular 11 sessions a week doing 30 miles a week over 18-20 hours plus four gym sessions.

After a holiday and an appearance on almost every TV programme on every channel, double gold-winning Becky was also back in the pool for the first time since Beijing this week – and hated every minute of it!

"It felt awful. I was getting lapped and I think I needed armbands," she said.

"I was absolutely shocking – but hopefully my form will come back."
Notts Nova coach Bill Furniss paid tribute to his swim stars, saying: "You have to understand only a fraction of one per cent of the population are good enough to even make the team, let alone win a medal. You have more chance of winning the Lottery."

Mansfield District Council swim coach Glenn Smith, who has coached both Sam and Becky, added: "It was a major achievement for both to win gold and come from Mansfield – they've been saying there must be something in the water up there.

"I don't know about that but these are heroes and should be treated as such.

"Let's not forget Charlotte – she just missed out on a medal but it was still an awesome achievement.

"It has been a fantastic few years and I have been to more gala diners recently than Princess Anne which has been great."

Chairman Coun Joan Taylor said: "You held us transfixed with your performances. It was the culmination of many years of hard training and sacrifice and you are a credit to your families, your sport and your county.

"As a county we finished above many major countries in the medals table!"

Nottingham rowing Gold medalist Dr Tim Brabants thanked the council for their support on behalf of the athletes.

"It is fantastic news there is extra funding towards 2012," he said. "That will make all the difference."