He and his wife Sarah were joined by around 250 athletes and support staff whose efforts helped Team GB to 19 golds and fourth place in the medals table in Beijing.

 

Adlington was joined by other gold medallists, including boxer James De Gale, 400 metres runner Christine Ohuruogu, and sailor Ben Ainslie were among those who attended the thank-you reception at Lancaster House, central London.

 

Brown said it was a great privilege to welcome the country’s most successful Olympic team since 1908.

 

He said: “While you were all in the bubble of Beijing, millions of people here were not only watching you but were encouraged to play sport and try to take part in the next Olympics.

 

“There has been nothing in recent years that has given me and so many other people so much pride as what you all have done.”

 

There were thank-yous for the coaches and medical staff as well as administration and other support staff who had helped to make the Games such a success.

 

Brown said: “London 2012 beckons and we believe that we might have the most successful Olympics and the best team ever.

 

“We will invest in you so that you can do the best that you can in 2012”.