TORFAEN'S Commonwealth Games superstars will be greeted with a heroes' welcome when they return home.

For the borough is planning a big reception for its Games medal-winners - sharpshooters Ceri Dallimore and Johanne Brekke, judo champ Claire Scour-field, and boxer Jamie Arthur - and other local sportsmen and women who competed.

Torfaen's medal glory began this week when 28-year-old Ceri, of Henllys, Cwmbran, and shooting partner Johanne Brekke, 25, from Cardiff, scooped gold medals in the women's 50-metre rifle prone pairs.

The golden girls - who train at the new £5 million Cwmbran Stadium, which was officially opened last month - are both members of Torfaen Rifle Club.

Their celebrations were followed on Wednesday by cheers for Claire Scour-field, 20, of Trevethin, who achieved a bronze medal in judo.

And Cwmbran boxer Jamie Arthur is guaranteed at least a silver medal on Saturday, after winning his lightweight semi-final last night. He is the only Welsh boxer still in the competition. Among other hopefuls from Torfaen are squash player David Evans, of Griffithstown, who is partnering Newport-born Ian Gough in the Manchester Games.

They won a group match yesterday and were playing Pakistan today.

The council is planning a formal reception .

Mayor of Torfaen Jack Everson said: "We look forward to welcoming back our heroes. It was great to hear that Torfaen won the first Welsh gold medal of these Games. It gave a big push to the rest of the team, and more gold, silver and bronze medals quickly followed.

"When we hold our reception it will be a chance to give them all a well- deserved pat on the back."

Councillor Lewis Jones, executive member for leisure, youth and culture, added: "We are thrilled that Torfaen people have done so well. Sport in Torfaen has been given a massive boost because of their success."

Torfaen has produced generations of world-class athletes in the past, including Lynn 'The Leap' Davies - even though it is 60 square miles with a smaller population than the many towns, with just 90,000 inhabitants.

* In the picture: Games gold medallists Ceri Dallimore, left, and Johanne Brekke.