Making a splash as Staffordshire gold medallist Joe Clarke coming home to Olympic celebration

More than 3,000 people from across the county and beyond are expected to descend on Stone on Monday for the first homecoming celebration in the country.

The 23-year-old kayaker, of Stafford and Stone Canoe Club, triumphed in the men's K1 canoe slalom during the games to the delight of those watching back home.

And on Bank Holiday Monday, the Olympic champion will parade his way through the high street before a bumper celebration in Stone's Westbridge Park.

At the gates of the park he will be carried in his kayak by his canoe club colleagues.

A total of £7,000 has been spent from Stone Town Council's town and tourism budget on the event and some 3,000 Union Jack flags will be handed out to spectators.

Councillor Jill Hood says it will be a 'special' occasion for the people of Staffordshire.

"It's going to be a massive celebration. We're really excited," she said.

The event will kick off at 2.30pm in the centre of town and there will be music from the Trentham Brass Band, Ben Owen and The Cartoon Kings, together with food, a bar, face painting and Olympic activities.

"The Trentham Brass Band and Joe will lead the procession towards Westbridge Park. We've got two bands playing – The Cartoon Kings will perform at 4pm after Stone singer Ben Owen will play at 3.30.

"There's going to be loads of food, a bar from Lymestone Brewery and face painting among a host of other Olympic activities."

The postbox at Stafford and Stone Canoe Club has already been painted gold in recognition.

Stone Town Council unanimously voted in favour of the celebration at a meeting on Tuesday night. The band will finish at 5pm but people are invited to stay and enjoy the occasion after the entertainment.

It will be the first celebration of its kind in the country since the success of Rio 2016.

Councillor Hood said: and councillor Jill Hood is inviting 'every man and his dog' to attend one of the biggest events in the town's history.

She added: "It has been a nightmare because we've had to work so quickly but it was a huge relief that the entire council voted for it to go ahead.

"In 100 years time when they look back at our first gold Olympian they'll see how it began and that we all supported something like this to happen."

"Originally we were going to have the parade on September 9 but Joe was very mindful that he wanted to share his experience with the people of Stone as soon as possible."

"It will be worth the hard work in the end – we want it to be so special.

"We've ordered 3,000 union jacks so every man and his dog will be able to raise a flag for Joe."