Olympians get London parade

Kelly Holmes memorably won two gold medals

Great Britain's successful Olympic team are to be honoured with a procession through central London on Monday 18 October, it has been confirmed.

It is thought the likes of Kelly Holmes, Amir Khan and Matthew Pinsent will be there, as well as members of the British Paralympic team.

"We have been overwhelmed with requests for a Team GB parade," said Simon Clegg of the British Olympic Association.

"We're delighted we can combine it with the British Paralympic team."

The opening ceremony for the Paralympics is this coming Friday, and British Paralympic Association chief executive Phil Lane said he was thrilled his team would get to be a part of the celebrations.

The team's performance was an inspiration to all those watching at home and those many thousands who gave such strong support from the stands Mayor Ken Livingstone

"It is great news that there will be a joint parade celebrating the success of both our Olympians and Paralympians," he said.

"Although our athletes don't begin competing until 17th September, we are confident that this is one of the best-prepared Paralympic teams ever to represent Great Britain."

"We're sure they will continue the wave of success and pride generated by Team GB in Athens last month."

Exact details of the route and format of the parade have yet to be confirmed, but it will end in Trafalgar Square, with highlights of the Games being shown on big screens.

Matthew Pinsent's tears of emotion were an Olympic highlight

London mayor Ken Livingstone said he was thrilled it was taking place, and hoped it was a positive sign for London's 2012 Olympics bid.

"On behalf of London I pay tribute to our extraordinary sporting heroes who did us proud at the Athens Olympic Games," he said.

"The UK's performance was an inspiration to all those watching at home and those many thousands who gave such strong support from the stands.

"The UK has shown its passion for sport. Let's look to a London Games in 2012."