THE man who drove Wycombe's Olympic heroes around the district on an open top bus was left in tears by the reaction of the crowds.

Brian Pearce, from Booker, provided his double decker bus for the event yesterday attended by thousands, and said it made him highly emotional.

The driver is a Wycombe District Councillor and has owned the vehicle for nine years as a hobby, using it for many occasions including his wife's funeral three years ago.

But he said nothing matched the Olympic parade: “It was the most incredible journey of my life. The reaction from the crowds was absolutely superb and so heartwarming. As we left Court Gardens and drove up Marlow High street I was totally choked and amazed by the reaction. On arrival at the university I was overwhelmed again by the cheering crowds as well as brilliant crowds gathered at various points along London road and in Wooburn Green.

“The reaction in Bourne End though, was absolutely phenomenal. Crowds packed both sides of the road cheering and waving flags.

“I'll never know how I actually drove down the high street in Bourne End as my eyes were full of tears and I was very emotional.”

Drivers beeped their horns and flashed their lights on the way past.

Cllr Pearce said: “The whole event was unbelievable, one that I will never forget as long as I live.”

He thanked everyone who came to watch and expressed his pride at ferrying the sports stars.

Cllr Pearce has appealed for anyone with pictures or videos of to get in touch with him by email - brian_pearce@wycombe.gov.uk.