The 30-year-old Ulley Sailing Club member went along with members of his family to attend a special civic ceremony held in his honour at Rotherham's Council offices on Monday.

Proud dad, Roy Goodison, of Harold Croft, Greasbrough, said the five course meal the family enjoyed to was 'one of the best he has had in ages', whilst expressing his admiration and pride in what his son Paul had achieved.

"It really was an excellent evening all round," he said.

"They made us feel like kings and queens for the night, which was nice for us, and for Paul as well."

Super sailor Paul was also accompanied by mum Cynthia and brother Matthew, 27, for the evening.

His dad said that since his son won the prestigious gold medal, it has been non-stop action for the family.

"It's been really hectic. The whole world has gone mad," he said. "We have been spinning around, at the moment I think we might need to look at getting an agent to deal with all of it."