Norfolk’s very own triumphant Lioness may be feeling a little worse for wear today - and few could blame her.
Lauren Hemp was filmed celebrating into the early hours with teammates, family and friends after England’s dramatic Euros victory in Switzerland on Sunday night.
Hemp, 24, was a constant threat down the right flank throughout the tense 120-minute final and played a vital role as England retained their European title.
Fans were left bemused when she was pictured boarding the team bus with a Lego set based on the Disney film Beauty and the Beast.
It’s not the first time Hemp’s love of Lego has made headlines.
The North Walsham native has previously shared her creations of Star Wars character Yoda and a miniature version of Barcelona’s Nou Camp stadium.
Back in her hometown, there was jubilation as fans gathered to cheer on their local star as she built on her trophy success.
The Black Swan, The Kings Arms and North Walsham Football Club’s clubhouse were packed with supporters watching the final on big screens.
Meanwhile, Willow Locke, captain of the North Walsham Angels team, made the journey to Switzerland to watch the match live.
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“The atmosphere was insane,” she said.
"Lauren was the year above me at school and she was so lovely.
"There weren’t many girls from my year on the team and she was always the one that made me feel welcome and included me in everything.
"She was always the best on the team. We always knew she was going somewhere.”
She added: “There were so many young girls watching the game at the clubhouse back home - it’s huge for them to see their idols and see there is a future in women’s football.”
It is not the first time Hemp has inspired her hometown.
The winger, who received the Freedom of the Town in 2022, is celebrated with a mural on the side of Café Kitale, which shared a message after the win: “A massive congratulations to our girls winning the Euros AGAIN! It really is coming home!”
North Walsham mayor Bob Wright said: “Once again, Lauren has made her hometown very proud, and what better day to do it than on Norfolk Day.”
District councillor Lucy Shires said: “We are bursting with pride here in North Walsham as our very own Lauren Hemp helped bring the Lionesses to glory once again.
"From kicking a ball on local fields to lifting a European trophy, Lauren’s journey is a shining inspiration to every young person in our community – a true hometown hero.”
A spokeswoman for North Walsham Town Council added: “Having grown up in North Walsham and trained at the football club here, we are extremely proud of Lauren Hemp and all the Lionesses for winning the Euros for a second time running.”
North Norfolk MP Steffan Aquarone also sent his congratulations: “Lauren, you’ve made your country and North Walsham so proud, and we couldn’t have been more thrilled to watch a local champion achieve such an incredible victory on the world stage.”
