FOOTBALL'S newest knight has rallied to the call to make his "best mate" Nat Lofthouse a 'Sir'.

Sir Tom Finney, who was honoured in the recent New Year's Honours list, says it would be a fitting tribute to Bolton's famed forward.

The two former footballing greats were England team-mates and now Sir Tom says it would be great for them both to be members of soccer's knights' club.

Sir Tom, who graced the pitch for Preston North End, added: "There would be no one more pleased than myself to see Nat get a knighthood. My knighthood means a great deal to me and I know it would mean just as much to Nat. We played many times together for England and against each other when Bolton played Preston. It was always an honour to play on the same field as Nat - a natural goal scorer and a very brave player. "I'd be delighted to see Nat made a knight. He's been a one club player like myself and has done so much for the town of Bolton as well as his club."

Bolton residents have also joined Sir Tom in his support of our "Give Nat a knighthood" campaign launched this week with the help of Bolton's mayor.

Although Bolton's favourite son was awarded an OBE in 1993, many people claim it's time Nat was honoured in the best possible way after a lifetime's devotion to his club and town.

The footballing legend, who has spent more than 50 years with Wanderers and is now the club's president is still revered for his on-the-pitch heroics and for helping to put Bolton on the map both in sporting and business terms.

While he is keeping a diplomatic silence, it is clear the groundswell of opinion is stacked in his favour.

BEN readers have already started to bombard us with letters, e-mails and phone calls supporting the campaign.

Mrs Norris, of Moss Dale Avenue, Lostock, rang to say: "I have lived in Bolton for 18 years and I definitely think he should be knighted for all he's done for the town."

Louise Morton, 68, of Trentham Avenue, Farnworth, said Nat should be knighted after "sticking with the town through thick and thin".

Allan Bebbington, 75, of Hawkshead Drive, Deane, said: "Nat has done so much for football and his mate Tom Finney has just been knighted. Those two things mean Nat should get the same honour."

And Wanderers' fans from across the world have leant their support. Ian Bailey, who is based at Malaspina University College on Vancouver Island, Canada, e-mailed us to say: "I wholeheartedly agree that Nat deserves to be knighted."

Now, as the campaign gathers pace, the BEN is pushing even harder to get Nat the recognition he deserves.

From next week special petition books will be available at our reception counter in Churchgate, giving YOU the chance to put YOUR name to the fight to get Nat a knighthood.

Then the BEN intends to hand over the petition to Prime Minister Tony Blair so we can prove just what Nat means to the people of Bolton.

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