DORSET’S Olympic heroes will parade through Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole on an open-top bus. 

Residents are being invited to line the streets on October 28 to celebrate the conurbation’s greatest who took part in the Paris Olympics during the summer. 

Gold medallist Bryony Page (gymnastics trampoline), Izzy Songhurst (gymnastics trampoline), Jack Eyers (paralympic canoe, silver medallist), Leo McCrea (paralympic swimming, gold medallist) and Matt Aldridge (rowing, bronze medallist) will all be celebrated. 

Taking place during half-term week, these inspiring athletes will travel on an open-top bus through the BCP area, stopping at some leisure sites along the way.  

Although it’s not a formal parade, residents are welcome to wave from their doorsteps or join in at the leisure centres. 

The celebration kicks off at Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre at 10.15am, where they will meet supporters before boarding the bus to embark on their journey through the area. 

The first stop will be at Kings Park leisure centre at around 12.05pm before arriving at Rossmore Leisure Centre at around 1.55pm. 

Here, there will be a short closing ceremony to thank the athletes, finishing around 3.05pm. Residents can come along, take pictures or grab autographs from these sporting legends at the leisure centres. 

BCP Council leader Millie Earl said: “We are thrilled to celebrate our amazing local athletes and their achievements in the Olympic and Paralympic games.  

“These athletes have made us all immensely proud, and they continue to inspire young people to get involved in sports and believe in their potential.  

“It's an honour to recognise their dedication and the coaches and teams who supported them along the way.” 

Andrew Wickham, Morebus managing director, added: “We are incredibly proud of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes - and their achievements in Paris 2024 - so we are delighted to be providing a specially-designed open top bus for this exciting event. It promises to bring our entire community together in celebration. 

“Our lead designer for this unique bus, Emma Watts, has a particular reason to be inspired. Her 11-year-old daughter, Pippa, was born with a defect in the bones of her right leg.  

“In 2021 she underwent an amputation below her knee. Despite this, Pippa is thriving. As a keen swimmer for Blandford Flyers, she has already competed in several able-bodied and para galas.  

“And, having experienced the magic of the swimming competition in Paris as a spectator, she is aiming to compete in the LA 2028 Paralympics.  

“Pippa - along with all our local athletes - are an inspiration to us all, and the Morebus team is very much looking forward to celebrating with them on 28 October.”