FANS waited for more than an hour to celebrate the immense achievements of London 2012 double gold medallist Jason Kenny.

More than 6,000 people gathered outside Bolton Town Hall to congratulate the 24-year-old.

Many were waving Union and gold flags and the crowd roared with delight and chanted his name as he came down the steps to meet his fans.

Mary Grundy, aged 66, from Farnworth, has known the Kenny family for many years.

She said: “I have been waiting an hour to see him.

“It is fantastic this has been organised for him, he is a great inspiration. I love him to bits “I saw him in church and have seen his gold medals.”

She added: “It is quite emotional to see him being celebrated like this.”

Emma Davenport, aged 19, from Worsley, said: “I came down especially for the celebrations.

“He is the nearest Olympic champion to us and I wanted to see him. The atmosphere is amazing and Jason Kenny is a real role model.”

Chloe Smith from Heaton , said: “It makes you really proud of the town, he is a true inspiration. I like sports and seeing this does inspire you.”

Young cyclists stopped by after training to see the Jason honoured.

Martha Gill, aged 14, form Horwich , who is a member of Bolton Hot Wheels cycling club, said: “It was really good to see him, he is inspirational.

“I would love to win a gold medal and seeing someone from Bolton makes me believe that it is possible.”

Alan Stubbs, the coach co-ordinator for the cycling club, said: “The club is part of Go-Ride, which both Jason and Laura came through.

“We have riders who are progressing and doing well nationally. Martha is third in the country for Mountain Biking.

“There is every possibility some of our members will go on to be Olympic champions.”

Julian Goudge, aged 41, from Belmont, has seen Jason training alongside Sir Chris Hoy at the Manchester Velodrome.

He said: “It has been a brilliant celebration with so many people here.”

Kieron Heyes, aged 35, from Farnworth, added: “It is brilliant for the town and the country. He deserves to be recognised in this way.”

One person who was not going to miss the celebrations was Jason’s second cousin, Fleur Hitchen, aged nine, from Breightmet .

She came with her family and friend nine-year-old Hannah Horrocks, also from Breightmet.

Fleur said: “It is really good that a lot of people have turned out to see him, I am really proud of him.”