Ross the golden boy at the Games

Crowds packed into pubs in the gymnast's home village of Great Missenden on Friday to cheer on the former Royal Grammar School pupil.

Ross was part of the five-strong line-up that won the men's team all-round gymnastic gold medal at Manchester's G-MEX centre.

The 22-year-old from Rook Wood Way, Great Missenden, who previously won gold in the team event at the Kuala Lumpur Games four years ago, described Friday's victory as the highlight of his career.

Ross, who also attended the Beacon School, Chesham Bois, started his gymnastic training with Chesham-based Raans Gymnastic Club.

Bob Evans, from Winchmore Hill, first helped to train Ross when he walked into the club as a seven-year-old.

He said: "He came with his parents and went for a trial. He just wanted to start doing gymnastics. I think he was into swimming, diving and goodness knows what and came to the gym.

"It was obvious he had talent. He was dedicated, a super young man, very intelligent and a pleasant individual.

"You would set him some work and would go off on his own and work hard. We had lots of trials and tribulations and I was sorry to let him go but when my wife died it took the edge off what I was doing."

Ross moved on to a gymnastic club in Woking when he started a maths degreee at the University of Surrey.

Bob added: "I went to his graduation and I am still in contact and have seen him in competitions. In my heart of hearts, deep down I still wish I was doing it but circumstances prevail."

His former coach said of Ross's Commonwealth victory: "I did try to get tickets but didn't have any joy. It would have been my proudest moment to watch but they were like gold dust."

Locals in The Black Horse in Aylesbury Road and The White Lion in The High Street, Great Missenden, cheered Ross on when he took to the apparatus on Friday.

Ross's neighbour, who has known the gymnast since he was five, said: "I wasn't surprised they got gold as I know how much hard work he has put into it."