SASKIA Clark is set for heroes welcome when she returns to Mersea Island, having touched down in the UK after winning a gold medal at Rio 2016.

Saskia could be on the island today after several TV appearances, in London.

Banners and bunting are out to honour the Team GB sailor, who won the 470 category with partner Hannah Mills,

Gold lettering with “Well done Saskia” has taken pride of place in Coast Road, along with flags flying red, blue and white outside the West Mersea Yacht Club.

The celebrations coincide with annual Mersea Week, organised and hosted by both the West Mersea Yacht Club and Dabchicks Sailing Club.

Saskia, who celebrated her 37th birthday yesterday, has said she will be back in Mersea to take part in the amateur sailing event.

Gazette:

Roger Sydenham, president of Dabchicks, said: “I will see Saskia, put my arm around her and say I’m very proud and well done.

“It’s our ‘Sas’ and she’s a local girl made good. That will permeate its way through to the youngsters of the club and give them an extra drive to go forward.”

For achieving a silver medal at London 2012, Saskia was awarded a lifetime membership at Dabchicks and will also feature on the club’s roll of honour.

Mr Sydenham said: “Her medal ceremony was the most euphoric of the 2016 Olympics and the nice thing about Saskia is she’s very aware of her roots and will talk to the cadets and bring her medals for them to hold, and take selfies.

"She’s very much aware of the community and how it’s supported her.

“Her success then shows the cadets it’s possible for anyone to go and do it.

“Saskia was a Mersea sailor who just decided she wanted to go further and the same opportunity is available to any cadets at Dabchicks if they show potential.”