Pinsent brings a golden glow to street festival
It was a welcome fit for an Olympic hero as thousands of fans cheered gold medal winner Matthew Pinsent in the centre of London.
The 33-year-old rower, whose triumph in Athens brought him a fourth gold, got a rapturous reception as he made his first public appearance since returning from the Games.
Huge crowds showed their admiration for the Old Etonian. In blazing sunshine he stopped the traffic, showing off his latest trophy as he opened the International Regent Street Festival.
Pinsent, who is is backing London's bid for the 2012 Olympics and is tipped for a knighthood, has called for a full victory parade by the whole British team. But on this occasion he was the focus of all the attention.
An estimated 250,000 people attended the festival, sponsored by the Evening Standard, which is celebrating its fifth year. The busy London street - home to many of the capital's most exclusive stores - was for once closed to traffic.
Visitors took refreshments on a 600-metre lawn, specially laid out for a Mad Hatter's Tea Party held by Hamley's. Dozens of stalls, many from gastronomes' favourite Borough Market, lined the road while shops held in-store concerts to launch the music and fashion festival City Showcase.
More revellers arrived for a live evening show by pop star Peter Andre, who gave a live performance. Other stars who played included Amici Forever, Punjabi Hit Squad, Taxi Pata Pata and Duel.