Glasgow Airport hero John Smeaton was given a dream welcome when he returned to his job as a baggage handler.

John, who overpowered a terror suspect who rammed a burning Jeep into the terminal building last month, was greeted by crowds of air stewardesses desperate for a kiss.

The 31-year-old said: "That was absolutely brilliant. That has made everything worth it for me. I have never been surrounded by so many gorgeous women wanting to kiss me before."

And if the effect of his national treasure status is anything to go by, he won't be living at home with his mum and dad in Erskine for much longer.

Izzy McKeown, a Thomas Cook stewardess, 28, said: "It was a real thrill when I got to kiss John - I am feeling a bit flushed now.

"A normal man won't do for me anymore - he has to be a superhero."

Fellow stewardess Louise Robinson, 25, said: "He is a real hero and kissing him was a dream come true."

And despite getting ready to work a gruelling eight-hour shift sorting luggage yesterday, John said he was glad to be back at the place that turned him into a hero.

He said: "The last few weeks have been absolutely unbelievable.

"The best bit was when I got to stand up in front of all the fans at Ibrox."

"But there was no way I was ever going to give up this job. I can't wait to see the rest of the lads and it is good to see the old building again."

Despite being the man of the moment, he was sure his co-workers would bring him down to earth.

He said: "I am going to get the biggest ribbing of my life when I start work.

"There will be all sorts of banter flying around."

Another of John's fans was world snooker champion John Higgins, who had just arrived home after a family holiday in Portugal.

The Wishaw Wizard said: "It is great to have a guy like that here who isn't afraid to put everything on the line to help.

"He deserves all the publicity and he seems to be a really nice guy too.

"I am sure he won't have to put his hand in his pocket at the pub for a long time."

Kevin Casey, 30, of Dumbarton was thrilled when he got his chance to have his photo taken with John.

He said: "It was such a thrill to meet him. The airport feels a safer place with him about."