Homecoming Parade For Yorkshire's Rio Heroes

28 September 2016, 07:30 | Updated: 28 September 2016, 07:31

Dig out your bunting and dust off your flags - a huge homecoming parade's happening later to celebrate Yorkshire's Olympic and Paralympic heroes.

The stars of Rio 2016 will parade through Leeds this evening on open top buses.

Some of the athletes taking part include the Brownlee brothers, Alistair and Jonny - Hannah Cockroft - Ed Clancy - Jack Laugher - Nile Wilson - Adam Duggleby - Grace Clough - and Lawrence Whiteley.

Parade celebrations start at 5.15pm.

Thousands of people are expected to line the route, which goes through Leeds city centre.

It starts on The Headrow outside Leeds Art Gallery, then onto Park Row, down to City Square, Boar Lane, Briggate, before turning back onto The Headrow and returning outside Leeds Art Gallery.

There'll be viewing spots available right along the route.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake, said: "Yorkshire is immensely proud of all its Olympic and Paralympic athletes and it is fantastic news that we will have the opportunity to congratulate them on their outstanding achievements as part of a special home coming parade to be held in Leeds on Wednesday September 28.

"The previous Leeds Olympic and Paralympic homecoming event which we held after London 2012 was a day which will live long in the memory, and we are excited as a city to welcome back athletes from across Yorkshire later this month."

Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire Sir Gary Verity, said: "It will be a privilege and a pleasure to welcome our heroes home. This is a terrific opportunity for the county to congratulate Yorkshire's Olympic and Paralympic athletes after a hugely successful performance in Rio this summer. Yorkshire knows how to throw a party and this is certainly one not to be missed!"

Double Olympic Gold medalist Alistair Brownlee, said: "To be greeted on your home turf by fans will be a real high after Rio. We can't wait to bring home our medals to Yorkshire and to thank everyone for their overwhelming support."