US Open champion Andy Murray arrived back on British soil to cheers following his historic win in New York.

The tennis ace flew into Heathrow's Terminal 5 at 9am today with girlfriend Kim Sears and was greeted by British Airways staff and excited members of the public.

The Scot became the first British man in 76 years to win a major singles title when he beat Novak Djokovic over five sets in the US Open final.

Murray posed for pictures with holidaymakers and airport staff as he collected his luggage.

The US win completed a successful few months for the 25-year-old, who followed a Wimbledon final with Olympic gold.

Following his US victory Murray hailed the effect Britain's magical sporting summer has had on the country.

He said: "It's been the best summer of sport in my lifetime and I'm sure in most people's. It's been so much fun and I'm just happy I was able to contribute towards it."

Meanwhile, in Scotland, there were calls for him to be given a knighthood as well as the Freedom of Stirling.

Scottish Labour's Deputy Leader and Glasgow Central MP Anas Sarwar called for Murray to receive a knighthood in recognition of his win and has tabled an Early Day Motion in Westminster.

He said: "As the first British winner of a Grand Slam for 76 years, Andy Murray's achievement is unrivalled.

"It is only right and proper his achievements are recognised and I can think of nothing better than 'Arise Sir Andy'."

And Stirling Council, which presides over Dunblane, said it was looking to give the tennis star a homecoming fit for a hero.

Yesterday his home town of Dunblane celebrated his magnificent achievement.

"I can't stop smiling," admitted local Evelyn Young. "Who'd have thought a boy from a tiny village could become a tennis legend?"

Her friend Margaret MacDougall agreed. "It's wonderful," she said, almost teary-eyed with delight. "Words can't really express how I feel."

The Scot is expected to make £100 million on the back of his first Grand Slam title, but it's almost impossible to put a price on the feelgood factor he's created in his home town.

At Dunblane Tennis Club, set 100 yards from his granny's house, club treasurer Bernie Beattie said: "He's already a hero.

"He's a fantastic role model for the local children, a phenomenon."

Andy's proud grandmother Shirley Erskine and her husband Roy stayed up along with many other Dunblane residents to watch their grandson take the title.

In their home the phone rang constantly with congratulatory messages from all over the world. She and her husband Roy had managed just a few hours sleep after the match.

Mrs Erskine said: "It was a late finish but we're so glad we saw it all. We're just so delighted and proud of what he's achieved."

matty.sutton@ eveningtimes.co.uk