Olympic hero Steve Redgrave has sent a message from Australia to thank the people of Buckinghamshire for their support.

The sporting legend sent an e-mail to the Bucks Free Press which also said he cannot wait to get back to celebrate with the people from his home town of Marlow.

And a huge street party is being arranged after the 38-year-old rower and his three team mates won the coxless fours final on Saturday, making Steve the first Olympian to win five consecutive gold medals in an endurance event.

Steve, from Marlow Bottom, said: "What a great race! It felt good to be back on the Olympic podium. The public and media attention has been overwhelming. I look forward to returning to Marlow to celebrate with the people of my home town, and thank all those who have supported me throughout my career."

Redgrave was born in Marlow and started rowing at the age of 14 on the advice of his head teacher Francis Smith at Great Marlow School.

Peter Burrows of Marlow Bottom Residents Association said: "We are so proud of him in the Valley. We are hoping to do something to celebrate. I think a statue in the town would be good. We don't have enough statues and I think this sort of achievement is something for a permanent reminder."

Plans are now going ahead to honour his achievements with an open-top bus parade from Marlow Bottom to Higginson Park and Wycombe District Council will announce the date of the street party once it is set.

The father-of-three has had to overcome illness to become Britain's greatest ever athlete, since finding out he has diabetes and suffering from colitis.

Philip Tinsley, Marlow Rowing Club's boatman, said: "The rest of the world are completely in awe of him. I reckon they will knight him after this."

Peter Hunt, Chairman of Marlow Rowing Club, said: "The whole team have done brilliantly and all have the ability to do what Steve's done. Steve won't ever stop rowing but I don't think he will do another Olympics. He probably will go on to become a world champion in some other sport."

Steve and his team mates, Matthew Pinsent, Tim Foster and James Cracknell grabbed the gold after a nail-biting finish at Penrith Lakes in Australia.

Click the Olympics Special icon on the home page for pictures of Steve after the race.