A LEGEND in our lifetime that was how Kelly Holmes was introduced to the massed crowds on Tonbridge Castle lawn.

The deputy Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Derek Still, also described the athlete as "our great hero" as he opened the speeches at the civic reception.

He said: "This is one of the most pleasant duties I have ever had to perform.

"It is your zeal to success that has been inspirational to all of us. You are fantastic and your success is well-deserved."

Cllr Sue Murray (Con), the council's cabinet member for leisure, said Kelly's achievements should encourage youngsters to take up sport.

She said: "Not everyone is as tenacious and lucky enough to make their dream come true. You are an inspiration to us all."

She described watching Kelly's 1,500m win. She said: "My legs turned to jelly. Thank God yours did not."

Tonbridge and Malling MP Sir John Stanley (Con), closed the formal speeches. He told Kelly she was "awesome".

He said: "In 10 to 15 years time when a young British athlete is stepping on to the medal podium and going before the world's media, he or she will say that they were just a schoolboy or schoolgirl when I saw Kelly Holmes in the 2004 Olympics. She was my inspiration."

He praised Kelly's modesty. "There is no-one else in this country who right now is entitles to feel a bit puffed up, but you Kelly are not having a bit of it.

"You have remained your delightful, natural, modest self.

"You are, and are going to be, a wonderful ambassador for Britain."