Paralympic swimmer Josef Craig was the toast of the town after a special invitation from the Mayor of South Tyneside.
The Mayor, Councillor Eileen Leask, held a civic reception for Josef, his family and friends and members of his swimming club.
She had extended the invitation to the gold medal winner during her speech at his surprise homecoming event following his Paralympic victory.
The Mayor said: “I was delighted to welcome Josef, his family and friends to the Town Hall as my guests.
“I’ve met Josef on several occasions and he is an inspirational young man who is an excellent role model for all our young people.
“This reception was my way of celebrating his success and showing him just how proud he made the Borough.”
Josef won Gold in the 400m freestyle event at the Paralympics last month, setting a new world record of 4 minutes 42.81 seconds. He was thrilled to be invited to the Mayor’s reception.
He said: “I had a brilliant time. The Mayor made everyone feel really welcome and said a few words at the beginning.
“It felt like not only a celebration of my achievements but recognition of all the support everyone has given me.
“The Mayor has invited me to officially open the new Jarrow pool with her and be the first person to swim in it- I can’t wait, it will be a real honour.”
