OLYMPIC poster boy Max Whitlock will get a “hero’s welcome” back in Basildon when he returns after his Games success.

The 19-year-old gymnast is due at South Essex Gymnastics Club next week with his two bronze medals. He’ll be reunited with the local gymnasts and coaches who have been supporting him throughout the Games.

It promises to be quite a homecoming for Max, who unexpectedly won two Olympic medals, one as part of the men’s gymnastic squad, and the other as an individual competitor on the pommel horse.

Club chairman Roy Short said: “It’ll be a tumultuous welcome. The atmosphere was great when we were all watching his performance at the club, so when he’s here in person, everyone will go wild.

“I was fortunate enough to see him get the second medal and be there with him. It was so exciting and we’re all so proud of him.”

It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks for Max, who is now enjoying the high life. He was spotted leaving London’s celebrity night-spots, Chinawhite and Mahiki.

His night out with Team GB team-mates Louis Smith, Daniel Purvis, Kristian Thomas and Sam Oldham saw them mingling with the likes of Britain’s queen of the pool Rebecca Adlington and US swimming star Ryan Lochte.

He was also interviewed on TV with fellow gymnast Louis Smith at the Olympic Stadium.