Rally champion Evans gets hero's welcome in home county

Key points

• Elfyn Evans became the first Welsh driver to win the World Rally Championship.
• Hundreds of supporters welcomed him in Dolgellau, Gwynedd, on Thursday.
• Evans won the title after rival Oliver Solberg slid off track in Sardinia.

New world rally champion Elfyn Evans received a hero's welcome from hundreds of supporters in his home county on Thursday. The driver from Dinas Mawddwy drove his Toyota world rally car from the village to nearby Dolgellau, where he met fans, signed autographs and held a driving exhibition in the town's main car park.

Evans became the first Welsh driver to become world champion. During the event, he thanked fans who had supported him since he started his career as a teenager.

What Evans said

Evans said he felt "very lucky and honoured" that the event was arranged, and hoped his success would build "some awareness of the sport". He added he was taken aback by cheering from pupils.

He said being champion would not change much in his day to day life. "Life at home is exactly the same, we still have the same battles to get the kids to school every morning as any other family," he said. He added he remained hungry to achieve more and his approach would not change.

We're absolutely thrilled, to be honest. He's come so close and been terribly unlucky, finishing second five times - we're absolutely thrilled.

— Lowri Edwards, Evans' aunt

First minister and school visit

Wales' First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth attended the celebration and called Evans "a true champion". He said Evans had shown consistency and quality over the years and that his win meant a lot to his home area and the whole of Wales.

Earlier on Thursday, Evans visited his former school, Ysgol Bro Idris, where he met pupils and teachers. Esme and Lois, both 12, said the experience was "amazing". Louie, 13, said it "shows what Wales can do", while Oscar, 13, said he was proud of Evans.