BIG Brother winner Anthony Hutton was mobbed by teenage girls when he returned to his native North-East for the first time since winning the reality TV show.

The 23-year-old 1970s disco dancer was given a hero's welcome yesterday as he attended a reception in his home town of Consett, County Durham, to celebrate Friday night's triumph.

The party in Blackhill and Consett Park was laid on by Derwentside District Council - which also made him an Ambassador for Young People.

Hundreds of youngsters screamed Anthony's name as he showed off his dance moves and worked the crowd - despite a heavy rain shower.

"This is off the scale - it is mad," he told the crowd. "I cannot believe the reception you have given me. I wasn't expecting it.

"I want to thank you for your backing a million per cent. I am glad that I have represented Consett well and did the best I could. I really appreciate all of this. Ding dong!"

At one point he leapt from the stage to kiss 15-year-old Cara Jay, of Consett, who said afterwards: "I am shaking all over.

"I watched Big Brother right from the start - I voted for him 57 times.

"I can't wait to get back to school now to tell my mates about this, they will be well jealous."

Local businesses presented him with a free holiday in Florida, a year's supply of pretzels, free passes to the district's leisure centres and cinemas as well as two bottles of Champagne containing real gold flakes.

Council leader Alex Watson, who has already asked Anthony to turn on the town's Christmas lights, said he deserved his new ambassadorial role - which some councillors have dismissed as a waste of taxpayers' money.

But Coun Watson said: "We have all read in the Press how Anthony has helped put Consett on the map.

''We hope that he will help us motivate other young people in the district to achieve personal success.''

He added Anthony, was given the accolade because of his "moral fibre, family values and loyalty".

"He is also a born entertainer and was made for this sort of thing. This is just the start and the offers will be coming in fast and furiously."

Anthony lives with his mother, Annette, and grandmother, Mary, in the former steeltown.

Following the closest final yet, the dancer beat geeky Eugene Sully, although they shared the £100,000 jackpot.

A member of Anthony's family last night ended speculation that he may turn out to play for Annfield Plain in a home match against Ferryhill FC tonight, saying that he was due to return to London.