Open top bus for McKillop homecoming

The local athlete celebrated his wins at his former primary school, St MacNissi's, where he was greeted by pupils chanting his name.

The school had pictures of Michael during his time at St MacNissi's on display as well as the children's paintings of Michael crossing the finish line.

"Going away to London and coming back with two gold medals it's something special and you can see the excitement on the kids' faces whenever I arrived in," he said.

"Hopefully look at all the photos and the memories that I've had at this primary school there could be another Michael McKillop coming out of this school, not only in running, but maybe in football and other different types of sport."

He was then taken through Glengormley on an open top bus where he stopped at the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice, Abbeycentre and finally Mossley Mill.

Newtownabbey Borough Council encouraged people to show their support by lining the route and turning out at the various destinations for a chance to meet McKillop and congratulate him on his success.

"It's weird to think that people would want to honour me but I guess it's such a big thing that I've achieved and something that can change Newtownabbey," added Michael.

The runner claimed victories in the T37 1500m and 800m races at London 2012 and was also named the male athlete who best embodies the spirit of the Games.

A gold post box since been painted in his honour at Sandyknowes Roundabout.

The council said: "There is no doubt that Michael's tremendous performance at the Paralympics is truly inspiring so come on Newtownabbey, let's all get out and give Michael McKillop a welcome home to remember!

"The double gold medallist will be visiting various places around the Borough, ending at Mossley Mill as part of a bus tour arranged to give Michael the hero's welcome he deserves."

McKillop's success came as fellow Northern Ireland athletes Jason Smyth and Bethany Firth also took gold during the 2012 Paralympics.