The wonderful welcome home a Welsh Olympic swimmer received

He narrowly missed out on winning a medal at his very first Olympic finals - but is still a champion in the eyes of those around him.

Dan Jervis reached the Olympic 1500m freestyle swimming final, coming a very creditable fifth.

It was an impressive performance at his maiden games for the 25-year-old, who has vowed to return even stronger at the next Olympics in Paris in three years' time.

Following the final Dan had written on social media: "No words can express how much all of the support from back home has meant to me.

"Seeing all of the flags around my home village, the collection of Olympic rocks hidden and found around the area and just the sheer magnitude of encouragement that I have received has been overwhelming, and I just want to say how proud I was to walk out in my first Olympic final to show the world what a home grown valley boy from Resolven can do.

"Now, I can’t wait to get home and see you all and celebrate.

"A well-deserved rest is happening and then I’m looking forward to the absolute sling-shot of confidence this is going to give me in my swimming career in the future! It’s going to be a wild ride".

Dan arrives back in the village to the applause of residents (Angharad Jenkins)

The Olympian is greeted by Neath Port Talbot mayor John Warman (Angharad Jenkins)

Having paid thanks to the community in which he was raised, the village turned out to give the homecoming local boy a hero's welcome.

They lined the streets of Resolven for the drive-through, which featured cars festooned with balloons and ribbons, red white and blue, and a huge Olympic flag.

Councillor for Resolven ward Dean Lewis said: "We are all extremely proud of Dan and what he has done so far in his career, and I am sure there is a lot more to come.

"Everyone in the village came out to clap and welcome him home.

"If there was an Olympic medal for being a gentleman, he would have won gold".

(South Wales Police)

Some local well-wishers welcome Dan back home to Resolven (South Wales Police)

Seven Sisters councillor Steve Hunt added: "Dan isn't just a hero for Resolven and Neath, he is a hero for all of Wales.

"He has performed at the very top level, at the Olympics, and he did so well.

"I am proud of the welcome he received on his return home".

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