The Eritrean community turned out in Edinburgh yesterday to welcome the arrival of a sportsman who in their culture is bigger than David Beckham.

And world cross-country champion Zersenay Tadesse was not even there in the flesh. It was simply the unveiling of a 12-metre high poster of their hero, due to defend his world title at Holyrood on March 30, when, they say, several hundred will be among the anticipated 10,000 crowd.

The Herald highlighted heavy-handed policing and security when Tadesse ran in the Great Edinburgh Run in January and senior members of the Eritrean community in Britain met the full event organising committee to find a solution.

It was agreed two community leaders will get VIP accreditation to present him with his national flag and flowers.

Community representative Mekonen said: "This picture is amazing. It's as if I'm seeing a piece of Eritrea here. He is one of the most famous sportsmen and makes Eritrea famous across the world.

"He is to us what David Beckham is to you. It means a lot for us to support him here."

Sinit, with her baby, Feden, was overcome: "Tadesse is a hero. He put Eritrea on the map. Before, people would say, Where is Eritrea?' but now, because of him, they know. This picture - it's beautiful - I love it."

The Herald is a partner organisation for the 36th IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh later this month and will be providing coverage of the event.