NEWS of Hannah Mills' olympic success has taken Dinas Powys village by storm.

The gold medalist, who started sailing aged eight, had previously participated in the 2012 Olympics in London, where she achieved a silver medal.

But it was Miss Mills' ability to maintain a 20-point lead over opponents during the Rio Women's 470 which glued eyes to televisions across the country.

In the Dinas Powys village, which she grew up in, news of her performance is widespread.

Dharu Umbaa, who was visiting family, felt "proud" of the sporting news.

"It is wonderful - not just for Hannah Mills but for Dinas too," said Mr Umbaa.

"My family can't stop talking about the news."

Pub conversations at the Star Inn was dominated too around Hannah Mills' recent success.

John Jones, 68, summed up the achievement as "truly inspirational".

"She's worked very hard for this big achievement," said Mr Jones.

"All of the problems from 2012 she and her working partner have overcome.

"I just think it is fantastic."

The chairman of Dinas Powys community council, Councillor Margaret Hayley, said the village is "thrilled" at the sporting news.

She said: "We are extremely proud of her achievement. All the hard work, commitment and dedication she and her sailing partner Saskia Clark have put into the sport over the past four years has paid off. We are really looking forward to welcoming her back to Dinas Powys, and hope that between her demanding schedule she can spare some of her time to celebrate her extraordinary story with the community.

Councillor Chris Franks described the sailor's gold medal as the "crowning glory".

He said: "The Dinas Powys community council will be wanting to celebrate this wonderful achievement. Already informal options are being discussed. It would be great if people could come forward with ideas."

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said that Miss Mills' achievement is "outstanding".

He said: "[It] is clearly thoroughly deserved given the time and effort she has given to the sport, particularly the tireless effort she has dedicated since achieving silver in 2012."