Mersea Olympians have thanked supporters from back home.

Saskia Clark and Hannah Stodel have sent messages to the community after they filled Mersea beach to wish them good luck ahead of the London games.

Both athletes hail from the island, Hannah, a paralympian sailor, wrote to organiser, Liz Harrison, to show her appreciation after seeing media coverage of the event.

She wrote: “I've managed to pick up the coverage whilst tucked away from everything in Falmouth and it means so much to me to know that you and the local community are all cheering for us.”

Despite being in lock-down in Weymouth just a week before her competition begins, Saskia was able to see photos and videos on Facebook.

Hundreds of people picnicked on Mersea Beach or on dozens of boats that anchored off the shore.

They then gathered at the bottom of Monkey Steps for a group good luck wave, and signed messages on their sails.

Hannah’s mother, Sue Bouckley, said: “It’s so important for them to know that everyone is behind them and is cheering them on back home.”

Moyia Clark, Saskia’s mother, said: “Saskia knows everybody is behind her, whatever happens.”

Saskia begins her competition, sailing with Hannah Mills in the women’s 470 dinghy, in Weymouth at Midday on Friday, August 3.

The medal race is scheduled for Friday the 10th.

Hannah Stodel will race in the Sonar keelboat at the Paralympic Games from September 1.