OLYMPIC gymnast Amy Tinkler returned home to a hero's welcome on Tuesday evening.

Amy, 16, the youngest member of Team GB, won a stunning bronze in Rio.

She returned home to London on a special British Airways plane with the rest of the victorious British squad before travelling up to the North-East.

She was greeted by enthusiastic crowds when she came home to Bishop Auckland with people asking for selfies and autographs.

She proudly showed off her medal and spoke with well-wishers before heading off for a well-earned rest.

Led by resident Rachel Tallentire, posters were put up in the windows of nearly every house and the bunting covered the street.

“I just thought it was the right thing to do,” said Mrs Tallentire. “It is important she realises how proud everyone, her neighbours and friends, is of her. If she wants a street party at a later date, I hope we can arrange but right now it is about people showing their support for her.”

Children, their faces painted in British colours and waving Union flags, went wild for the 16-year-old bronze medallist as she arrived with parents, Nora and Michael, following a quick trip to South Durham Gymnastics Club, in Spennymoor, where she trains.

It seemed the whole estate was chanting Amy’s name as she emerged from the car and she was quickly bombarded with youngsters wanting her autograph and picture.

Resident Gary Cooper, 40, even managed to persuade the Olympian to have a video call with his daughter, Jorja, nine, who was upset after being unable to make the event.

“My daughter is at her mums and was really upset she could not be here, so it really made her day,” he said. “Jorja loved Amy and thinks it’s fantastic.”

Mrs Tallentire presented Amy with flowers before showing her a cake featuring a bronze medal and mini Amy the community paid for.

Resident Elaine Crick said: “For someone from our estate to get to the Olympics, never mind win a medal, is amazing. We are so proud. It’s really brought out the community spirit.

"Everybody knows each other and came together to get behind her. We all chipped in for a special cake.”

Joy Allen, Durham County Councillor for Bishop Auckland, was also present and praised the community.

“This is fantastic community spirit, so as well as inspiring young people it’s also bringing people closure together celebrating Amy’s achievement,” she said.

A Welcome Home banner for the medallist – the original of which was stolen from a roadside near her home on Monday – was replaced just in time for the homecoming, thanks to the support of Heart listeners, South Durham Gymnastics and printed.com.

After Heart Breakfast presenters Justin and Kelly challenged listeners to help replace the banner on their show, they were inundated with texts, tweets and calls of support.

Heart producer James Thomson-Boson said: “For us, it’s been amazing that the North-East has come together to get a new banner within hours of her coming home – and Amy thought it was fantastic.”

WELL-WISHERS HAVE LEFT THE FOLLOWING MESSAGES ON FACEBOOK, ADD YOURS BELOW:

Rina Howes We the north are so so proud of you well done Amy you were fantastic xx

Lisa Walker Fantastic Amy, well done and what an inspiration you are. Welcone home xxx

Kathryn Stephenson Well done Amy well deserved x

Madge Garbutt Gud lass!!! You have Done England proud especially the North East xxx

Rachael Coates Very well done Amy!! We're all very proud! Good work!!xx

Kate Spence Congratulations you should be sooo proud of your self xxx

Tracy Stevens Fantastic achievement Amy! Well Done!

Justine Fowler Fantastic achievement Amy well done xx

Konrad Paul Gogolinski Amazing performance

Val Hardman Well done amy you're a star ! Xx

Steve Wright Such a wonderful and so very very well deserved achievement, well done Amy

Jackie Ward Well done so proud

Louise Brown Wonderful achievement Amy! So proud that you are local young woman x

Kellie Reed Congratulations amy u did amazing u should be so proud xxx

Joanne Welsh well done Amy you have made England proud but better still Bishop Auckland xxx :)