HAMPSHIRE and the Isle of Wight's victorious Olympic athletes have returned home to a heroes' welcome.

Southampton's silver medal diving sensation Pete Waterfield, and sailing gold medallists Ben Ainslie from Lymington and the Isle of Wight's Shirley Robertson and her crew were welcomed back to Britain yesterday by thousands of cheering fans.

Also heading home to the Island was the women's heptathlon bronze medal winner, Kelly Sotherton.

They stepped off the plane which flew back from Athens to Gatwick airport yesterday afternoon and posed for pictures before the world's press on the steps of the plane along with the rest of the squad.

They were then ushered into the airport's arrivals terminal where they were hailed as heroes by fans who had turned up to welcome the athletes home.

One by one, the stars stopped to sign autographs and shook hands with hundreds of Union Jack waving supporters who had turned-up to cheer the team's return.

Ben Ainslie - gold medal winner in the "Finn" sailing class - was flanked by Britain's latest golden girl Kelly Holmes as the squad staged a joyous press conference surrounded by the world's media.

He told reporters how he had promised himself how after claiming gold in Sydney in 2000 he would have a "different" sort of competition four years later.

He joked: "Of course it was different, it was worse."

Ben's quest for Olympic gold in sailing nearly ended in disaster as he was disqualified from one of his 11 races.

But he battled back to claim his second Olympic gold medal following his outstanding performance in Sydney four years ago.

Speaking to the Daily Echo he added: "The reception was pretty awesome and mind blowing at the airport. As a sailing team, we did not come back with the rest of the team four years ago and missed the reception from Sydney."

Ben also revealed he would "love" to compete in the Olympics in Beijing in four years' time.

He added: "I have really got the Olympic bug."

Diver Pete Waterfield, 23, from Millbrook in Southampton was met at the airport after the press conference by his partner, Tania Graves, before being driven back to the city for an emotional reunion with the couple's son three-year-old Lewis at their home in Millbrook Towers.

Pete pledged that he would be aiming to go one better at the Beijing Olympics in four years' time and attempt to win a gold medal.

He thanked his family and friends for the support he had been given as well as the training he received at the Quays Swimming and Diving Complex in Southampton.

He said: "I have lost my voice through celebrating. The British team were all very together. The welcome at the airport brought back the time we won the medal. I have missed Lewis for a whole month and it has been very hard. I have planned some time together to make it up to him."

He said he was determined to compete in the Olympics in China in 2008. "I will be without a doubt. I am only 22 at the moment and have another four years easily."

Pete's efforts and those of his coach Lindsey Fraser will today be honoured at a mayoral reception in the Civic offices.

Accompanied by family and friends the pair will then board an open top bus to the Quays Swimming and Diving Complex where a party will be held from 1.30pm.

Shirley Robertson and her crewmates in the "Yngling" yacht Sarah Webb and Sarah Ayton were flown to the Isle of Wight for an open top parade in Shirley's adopted home town of Cowes.

A reception fit for a champion greeted Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson when she arrived home in Cowes.

Thousands cheered as Shirley, 36, arrived at nearby Gurnard at the start of a triumphant open-top bus journey along Cowes seafront to Royal Corinthian Yacht Club.

It is the second gold medal in two Olympics for Shirley. She won gold in the "Europe" Class in Sydney four years ago.

On the parade and the club, where members had raised tens of thousands of pounds to help fund her Olympic bid, Shirley was guest of honour at a special party to mark her Olympic triumph.

Cheering crowds waving Union Jacks and the flag of Gurnard Sailing Club, where Shirley is a member, lined the route.

During the welcome, Piper Ian Purkis played "Bonnie Dundee" to mark Shirley's roots in the Scottish city and also "Scotland the Brave".

Shirley said: "I'm still getting used to the cold climate after Athens. It is great to be back. I was promised an open-top bus ride if we won gold but I am absolutely delighted with the turnout. It is amazing. I just want to be at home for a few days and put my feet up for a while.

She joked: "My husband wants his dinner on the table as well I think. I know I have several engagements in the coming weeks but I am not sure what I will be doing in four years' time at the next Olympics."

Husband Jamie Boag said: "It's great to have her back. I'm really pleased for her."

SILVER LINING: Southampton's Pete Waterfield, right, and his synchronised diving teammate Leon Taylor show off their silver medals.