Edinburgh-born Hoy joined Britain's other medalists on a special British Airways plane which had its nose painted gold.

Britain finished fourth at this summer's Games with 19 gold medals, 13 silver and 15 bronze in the country's most successful Olympics for 100 years.

Hoy said: "It's quite overwhelming really, it's just the most incredible reception.

Cyclist Hoy, who won gold medals in the Keirin and individual and team sprint events, admitted he had not expected such a welcome home as the team were shielded from publicity during their time in the Athletes' Village in Beijing.

"You are living in a bubble in the Village and you never know what's happening at home," Hoy told BBC1.

"I think the nation has got behind the team and it's fantastic.

"If we can build on this and get behind the London 2012 Games it will be great."

Rebecca Adlington, who won two gold medals in swimming, was also taken aback by the reception waiting for the team.

"I never expected this, it's great," she said.

"We've just done our best to get a medal, anything else that comes our way is just a bonus," she told BBC 1.

A gold medalist in the 400m and 800 freestyle, she revealed here plans for the next month.

"I'm getting back (to training) at the end of September," she added.

"I'm having a month off and then getting back in the water.

"I just can't wait to get home and see my family."

Lord Sebastian Coe paid tribute to the British team and the boost their performance had given to the next Olympics in London.

Lord Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Games, said: "Team GB have just provided us with the most extraordinary platform."

He told BBC1: "Those guys just performed way beyond what I think any of us were expecting."

Gymnast Louis Smith, who won a bronze medal on the pommel horse, said: "It's a bit crazy, just looking out of the window (of the plane) and looking at everyone."

Heptathlete Kelly Sotherton admitted she had put her own sadness at failing to pick up a medal in Beijing behind her in order to celebrate along with the British winners.

Sotherton said: "It's always good to come back as part of the team. People are upset at how they've performed but you've got to share in everybody's success."

Rower Steve Williams, who won a gold medal as part of the men's four, was elated at the reception given to the British team when their plane landed at Heathrow.

"We were looking out of the windows and everyone at Heathrow was waving flags," he said.

Teenage diver Tom Daley revealed he planned to return to training after some time off to rest after the Olympics.

He said: "It's just been great, it really has.

"I think I'm going to have a few days off. Then I will be back to hard training."