Published at 11:07, Thursday, 16 August 2012

COPELAND’S Olympian ALAN WILLS was given the surprise of a lifetime when he returned home from London 2012.

HELLO, MUM! Olympic archer Alan Wills with mum Lesley Wills, during his Welcome Back Procession, in Lazonby

Archer Alan missed out on the medals in London but his girlfriend organised a special celebration when he arrived back to her home village of Lazonby on Monday.

Bunting, Union flags and screaming children greeted Alan as he arrived before being driven to the village hall in a specially-decorated trailer.

Alan, from Frizington, said: “It’s been a long day of travelling and this is a huge shock. It’s brilliant – I can’t believe they’ve closed the roads.

“I thought there might be something like this if I got a medal but this is really nice.”

He signed memorabilia for fans and friends and gave a speech outside the village hall.

Alan’s girlfriend, GAIL EASTHAM, said: “I’m so proud, and this proves how proud everybody is of Alan.

“This means the world to me, and for his community and the people around here.”

Alan represented Britain in both the individual and team contests at London 2012 and at Beijing in 2008.

The 31-year-old competed at Lord’s Cricket Ground but missed out on a medal by a tiny margin after a shootout with Australia’s Taylor Worth.

Alan’s mum LESLEY said: “This is spectacular and he had no idea. You should have seen the look on his face!

“I think he’s loving it and I hope it raises the profile of his archery. This is the result of 15 years of hard work.”

Before making his way into the hall Alan was handed a celebratory bottle of champagne.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk