Brits on form in Athens GB medallists in full

The 166-strong squad finished second in the medal table behind China, with a haul of 94 medals, including 35 golds.

And sports minister Richard Caborn led the tributes to the athletes at a pre-arranged reception.

"It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be here this afternoon to welcome the team home," said Caborn.

"You really have excited and inspired our nation. There was a tremendous team spirit out there.

"A lot of people who have been reading about it in the newspapers and watching it on the television have had a tremendous lift."

Britain's athletes were not able to surpass their achievements at the Sydney Games four years ago, when they scooped 131 medals, 41 of them gold.

But there were encouraging performances from a crop of rising stars, especially in swimming and cycling.

And Peter Norfolk secured Britain's first ever Paralympic tennis title with victory in the men's quad competition on his debut at the Games.

While Athens could also be the last Games for many of Britain's athletes, the more experienced members of the squad still delivered in Greece.

Tanni shines as Britain's best

Tanni Grey Thompson raced to two golds on the athletics track to take her career tally to 11, as well as making her Britain's most successful Paralympian.

Isabel Newstead was also on target in the air pistol competition, securing her ninth Paralympic title.

Swimmer Jim Anderson contributed four golds and Lee Pearson rode to triple gold in the equestrian events.

GB hail Athens success

And Phil Lane, chef de mission of the British team, said: "It's been a tremendous performance by the British team.

"We set ourselves a target of 35 golds and achieved that on the penultimate day. We did well across the board, medalling in 11 sports, which is outstanding.

"The important thing for Paralympics GB is we have maintained our position in the overall medals table. And the great success has been the team spirit."