BOLTON'S Amir Khan, joined other British Olympic medallists for a special lap of honour through London, in front of 200,000 cheering fans.

People lined the streets of the capital, waving flags as more than 100 athletes from the Athens Olympics and Paralympics games toured in an open top bus.

Amir, the 17-year-old boxing sensation who picked up a silver medal in the men's 60kg, was delighted to receive one of the biggest cheers of the day. Yet he admitted he was still struggling to get used to being in the limelight and added: "Thousands of people turned out for my victory parade in my home town. There is a few more here today, probably too many, but I think it will be brilliant for all sports."

Britain's greatest Olympian, five-time rowing champion Sir Steve Redgrave, began the celebration - The Parade Of Heroes - from the Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly.

Double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes said: "I have reached the pinnacle of my career. I am having a wonderful time today."

Team GB took 30 medals, including nine golds, in the Athens Olympics - the best non-boycotted Olympics since 1924. The Paralympic squad was also hailed for their 94 medals, 35 of which were gold.

Amir, from Heaton, and the rest of the Olympic and Paralympic teams were invited to Buckingham Palace after the parade to meet the Queen, Prince Philip and the Princess Royal in the White Drawing Room.

They then mingled with other Royals, fellow athletes and team support staff in a drinks-and-canapes reception.

Amir, who wore a chunky silver bracelet and a suit fitted by Bolton store Norton Barrie, said: " It is brilliant. It is an honour to be here, especially seeing the Queen for the first time." He told her of his ambitions for gold in Beijing in 2008. He gushed: "She said congratulations. She said 'Are you going to keep on going?' I said hopefully in Beijing I can get the gold. She said 'That's impressive'."