Olympics golden girl Jessica Ennis has told thousands of people in her home city: "This is my home and this is the place that I love."
More than 10,000 are thought to have crammed into Sheffield city centre to welcome the gold medal-winning heptathlete back.
Ennis told the vast crowd: "Thank you so much to every single one of you here."
She went on: "If I could thank you all individually, I would. There are so many of you.
"You've been incredible - not just these past few weeks, but the past few years.
"You've always been there to support me. I can't thank you enough."
Many at the front of the barriers had waited for more than four hours for Ennis to appear on the stage outside the City Hall.
Ennis was asked to unveil a golden version of the plaque commemorating her achievements which is already outside Sheffield's Town Hall.
Council leader Julie Dore said: "You have truly helped to change this great city of ours from a city of steel to a city of gold.
"Sheffield is your home and we know you are so proud of the city - maybe as much as we are of you."