GOLDEN boy Jason Kenny has thanked the people of Bolton town for signing a book of congratulations.

The Team GB double gold medallist said he was grateful to Crompton Place for organising the book, which was the brainchild of shopping centre manger Malcolm Angus.

The book was set up with the help of Beaverbrooks and HMV in the busy town centre mall and several hundred people signed their personal messages of thanks and support to the cycling legend.

Jason, aged 24, said: “2012 was always going to be a big year for me, with a home Olympics.

“I was fortunate to have a great games. However, my success was only possible due to a whole range of factors, including the home support.

“It was amazing to receive support both at the games and after from the whole of Great Britain, but especially from the people of Bolton.

“The book from the people of Bolton is special to me and I am very grateful to Crompton Place and Beaverbrooks for organising it for me.

“I hope my exploits at the games will help inspire young Boltonians to achieve similar success at future games.”

Mr Angus was among those who signed the book.

He said: “The memories of those fantastic summer games are still firmly in people’s mind and I remember very well the burst of pride which we felt in Bolton for Jason’s amazing sporting achievements.

“Crompton Place is at the heart of the town and so it seemed right and fitting to me that we found a way to mark Jason’s golden glory.

“I am pleased to hear it is something special to him that he will treasure. His success gave a tremendous boost to the town and he deserves to be celebrated in this way.”

Jason, from Farnworth, was awarded an OBE in the new year honours list along with his girlfriend and fellow cycling star Laura Trott.

He was the first sportsman in the British squad to land a double gold with victory in both the team and individual sprints.

He also won gold in the 2008 Beijing games in the team sprint and took silver behind Chris Hoy in the individual sprint.

In January 2012, he gained his first world championship title.