Golden boy

Supporters stood for hours in the rain chanting his name and waving flags and placards as they waited for Murray to arrive.

They were rewarded for their patience, with the tennis star signing as many autographs as he could as he slowly walked through the town yesterday. He also took the time to have a knockabout with youngsters at his old tennis club.

Murray said: "I had no idea what to expect, so to see so many people show up and show such support and hang around for so long in the rain and cold weather was unbelievable."

He said he had signed "a few thousand" autographs as he went through the streets, adding: "I lost track when I was half way round. It was a bit of a blur after a while."

Before the warm welcome on the streets he managed to catch up with his family. "I spent some time with my mum last night, I had a nice lunch with my dad and I saw my grandparents before this. It's been great to see them," he said.

Murray's visit to Dunblane came as cyclist Sir Chris Hoy took part in

Edinburgh's Olympic homecoming, where he received the freedom of the city. Athletes from the north east took part in an open-top bus tour of Aberdeen.

Murray was celebrating a golden summer of success with locals just days after returning to the UK after beating Novak Djokovic to win the US Open.

That victory came weeks after he beat Roger Federer to take the Olympic men's title at the London 2012 Games.

The crowd's excitement peaked as Murray posed next to the High Street postbox painted gold in honour of his Olympic victories.

The tennis ace grinned and held aloft his medals before handing them to waiting schoolchildren who gasped before trying on the silver and gold themselves.

Murray admired the posters they had created to welcome the star home before continuing his tour of the town towards the tennis club where his dream began.

Fans in Dunblane have for years backed Murray in his search for a Grand Slam title and regularly gather in pubs and clubs to watch important matches.

Murray did not attend Friday's official victory parade for Scotland's Olympians and Paralympians in Glasgow, having been advised to rest at home after playing continuously for four months.

There have been suggestions that Murray should receive a knighthood for his successes, but he was quick to talk that down.

He said: "I think I should probably have to do more than what I have so far to be honoured like that.

"There are people work 20 or 30 years giving back to their sports, charities, communities or their chosen profession.

"It's been an unbelievable summer but I think it will take a lot more wins and hard work to deserve something like that."

His family were amazed at the turnout for the homecoming event.

His father Willie, who still lives in Dunblane, said: "Andy came up last night and stayed at his mum's, then visited the rest of the family today.

"We made some brunch for him. We thought we should ask what he would like because we know he's got a strict diet, but he just said 'the full monty'.

"He's loving it. The number of people who have come out to congratulate him is incredible.

"It's really overwhelming to see so many people – there are literally thousands lining the streets.

"It's blown the whole family away, none more so than Andy.

"He doesn't get home very often but he understands the support he gets in Dunblane – this is amazing."

His mother Judy said: "There's an unbelievable turnout – great support. It's been a wonderful day."

Ms Murray's parents Roy and Shirley Erskine also fed Andy, at their home near Dunblane Sports Centre, before joining him on his walkabout.

Mrs Erskine, 79, said: "Andy came to our house and I told him 'I don't think you realise what's going to happen out there'.

"But he's loved it. The weather was awful, but it's absolutely phenomenal to see so many people, and he stopped to sign autographs for everyone. I can't believe the support that's turned out."

Mr Erskine, 81, said: "It's just unbelievable. I took a walk into the village at 9.30am and there were people already gathering.

"Even the Queen when she visited didn't get a reception like this, but Andy wanted to take time to meet the people who have supported him."

Murray's paternal grandparents Gordon and Ellen Murray drove to Dunblane from their home in Kilsyth, Stirlingshire, to join their grandson's celebrations.

Mr Murray, 79, said: "We wouldn't have missed this for the world. He deserves this day."

Mrs Murray, also 79, added: "We're ecstatic. There's a great turnout for Andy. I get too nervous to watch the big matches, but this has been a wonderful day.

"It's lovely to see so many people come out, especially in the rain. We're very proud of everything he's done."