The day saw the 17-year-old visit her gold postbox on Aldridge High Street, as well as officially open a swimming pool named after her at Cooper and Jordan C of E School, where she used to be a pupil.

"Thank you all so much for the support, it is really good to be back here at the school that I love," Simmonds said.

"Thank you very much.

"I hope you have a lot of enjoyment in this pool, as I did when I was young."

The pool opening was followed by an open top bus tour to Walsall town hall where the public gathered to welcome her as she climbed off the bus.

"The home crowd has been such a big advantage," Simmonds told the crowds.

"Thank you all for turning up."

Following the speech, Simmonds entered Walsall town hall for a question and answer session with invited schools and youngsters.

Thousands turned out to see Paralympic swimming star Ellie Simmonds in Walsall

Simmonds proved one of the major stars of the London 2012 Paralympics as she won two golds, in the 200 metres SM6 individual medley and S6 400m freestyle, a silver in the S6 100m freestyle and a bronze in the S6 100m freestyle.

She relocated with her mother to Swansea at the age of 11 so she could train in an Olympic size 50-metre pool but she was born and bought up in Walsall.

"Ellie has made us so proud," added the Mayor of Walsall Dennis Anson.

"We wanted to make a fuss of her when she returned from London."

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