Scotland's Andy Murray today ended Britain's 77-year wait for a Wimbledon men's single champion when he beat No 1 seed and world number one Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

Ignoring boiling temperatures and the weight of history, Murray replaced Fred Perry in the history books with a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 win.

As Centre Court erupted in joy, David Cameron tweeted from the Royal Box: "It was a privilege to watch @andy_murray making history at #Wimbledon, and making Britain proud."

First Minister Alex Salmond, who was also in the Royal Box and helped unfurl a Saltire, wrote: "A truly phenomenal victory by @andy_murray. Hard fought and well deserved. #Wimbledon."

Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg wrote: "Congratulations @andy_murray! What a match, you've made us all proud! #Wimbledon"

Labour opposition leader Ed Miliband added: "Congratulations Andy Murray. A historic and amazing moment for him and for the whole country."

Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "Awe-inspiring display of skill and determination from Andy Murray and a moment of great pride for our country #wimbledon."

Murray was also congratulated privately by the Queen following his historic win.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that the Queen has sent a private message to Andy Murray following his Wimbledon victory."

Stars from the worlds of showbiz and sport also took to Twitter to hail Murray's achievement on a sweltering day in south west London.

Star Wars actor and fellow Scot Ewan McGregor wrote: "Oh my God. What a match, what a player. Inspiring a Nation. .Andy Murray!! Ya Beauty."

Former England striker and Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker added: "I sense @andy_murray will take a bit of beating at Sport's Personality Of The Year! #wimbledon."

The worlds of showbiz, politics and sport had come together to back the Scot's bid for a place in British tennis history.

Hollywood heart-throbs Gerard Butler and Bradley Cooper and footballer Wayne Rooney were joined by Victoria Beckham and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's wife Tana; Labour leader Ed Miliband; while fellow Olympian Sir Chris Hoy was also among the crowds on Centre Court for the match.

Murray Mount was packed with fans who braved scorching temperatures to watch the Scot take to the court.

Many sheltered from the heat under umbrellas or fanned themselves amid soaring temperatures in SW19.

Security staff told supporters arriving at 1pm that there was no space left on the steep bank and directed them away to another screen, set up on Court two.

The queue for the ground was full by 7am this morning, with some in it having camped since Friday to get a ticket.

The temperature on Centre Court hit 49.8C (122F) in the sun just before the final started at 2pm, according to club officials.

Wimbledon visitors were urged to take sensible precautions on what has become the hottest day of the year so far.

"The air temperature is now over 40c - please keep drinking water & try and get some shade," Merton police wrote on Twitter.

Katherine Eaton, regional events manager for St John Ambulance London, said medics have treated Wimbledon visitors for a number of heat-related ailments, including dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion as the mercury soared this weekend.

She said: "We've had a busy weekend at Wimbledon, with the hot weather contributing to a number of ailments, including dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion.

"Our volunteers are determined to be the difference by making sure that everyone has access to essential first aid; and we would like everyone who is visiting to make themselves aware of where they can seek help should they begin to feel unwell."

Murray waved to the crowd as he arrived, acknowledging the support.

More cheers reverberated around the court as Murray and Djokovic took part in the coin toss, performed by 11-year-old Pinki Sonkar, from India, who was born with a cleft lip and received life-changing surgery thanks to the charity Smile Train.

Centre Court basked in the sunshine with many supporters clutching fans as they tried to stay cool in sizzling temperatures.

Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears, looking anxious, took her seat in the players' box, while a tense-looking Judy Murray was also courtside for the clash.

A pair of tickets changed hands for £15,000, ticket website Viagogo said, with one pair listed for a staggering £71,000.