THOUSANDS turned out in Lowestoft to toast Suffolk Olympic star Anthony Ogogo.

The 23-year-old boxer, who won a bronze medal at London 2012, arrived to cheers and loud applause.

Anthony, marvelling at the crowds, said: “This is unbelievable, I feel so emotional, I never dreamed this was going to happen.”

Lowestoft mayor Nick Webb presented the boxer with a Lowestoft coat of arms and also a mayor’s certificate of appreciation.

Mr Webb said: “We are really, really proud of you.”

Delighted with the turnout, a council spokesman said: “There were at least 2,500 people in the town centre and lots of people lining the route down to McDonald’s.”

Lowestoft town centre manager Emma King said: “The turnout to see our local hero was just great. It just shows the appreciation of the people of Lowestoft to Anthony’s achievements.

“He is such a lovely, down-to-earth family person – his heart is in the right place. The overwhelming support in the town centre and the whole town tonight shows what Lowestoft is all about. We are very proud of him.”

Afterwards Anthony said: “Everyone knows how proud I am to be from here, and I wanted to make them feel so proud.

“We have a nice tight community and I feel great to be part of that.”