Hero's welcome for boxer Barnes

Paddy Barnes travels through north Belfast on an open-top bus

The Olympic bronze medal winner Paddy Barnes has received a hero's welcome as he arrived home in Belfast.

Hundreds of fans turned out to greet the boxer as he paraded through north Belfast on an open-top bus.

There was also a special reception for the light-flyweight medallist at his gym on North Queen Street.

After a two-day journey from Beijing, his mother, Ellen, said the support he received in his native city had been incredible.

"I was proud of him when he qualified for the Olympics," she said.

"The medal was a bonus, the icing on the cake.

"Medal or no medal, he made it to the Olympics and it's tough to make it to the Olympics in boxing because you have to qualify.

"Years ago, you didn't, you got picked. It's a big feat in itself."