BOLTON'S first citizen has vowed to make it his goal to see soccer legend Nat Lofthouse knighted.

The town's mayor Cllr Peter Birch says it's time that both town and country recognised Nat's great sporting achievements and devotion to Bolton.

His calls for the town's favourite son to receive the mantle "Sir Nat" comes after knighthoods were bestowed on his playing colleagues Tom Finney and Stanley Matthews.

Now Cllr Birch says he wants to kick-off the campaign to honour our own footballing star, nicknamed the Lion of Vienna. A new Virgin train was named after the star at a special ceremony yesterday, thanks to Bolton Evening News readers.

The mayor added: "There's so much happening in this town, both in business and in sport, which is all due to Nat. This man has put the town on the map through his hardwork and effort and he deserves some recognition for what he's done. "There's a few former footballers who have been given knighthoods and I want to see Nat receive one now. I'm convinced that the whole town will support me." Nat, aged 72, who is a Freeman of the Borough, received an OBE in the 1993 New Year's Honours List in recognition of his past sporting prowess.

He was also honoured when Reebok Stadium chiefs named the East Stand of Wanderers' new ground after their loyal servant who has been with the club for more than 50 years, joining as a 14-year-old trainee.

Now Cllr Birch says he's looking to get the support of the people of Bolton as his campaign for Nat's knighthood gathers pace.

He's urging townsfolk to contact their MPs in an attempt to bring the matter before Prime Minister Tony Blair. He added: "Nat's a true gentleman and there are not many of those around anymore. He makes everyone he meets feel at ease and he's been a fantastic ambassador for Bolton. There's no better place to start a campaign than through the Bolton Evening News." What do you think about making Nat a knight? Write to us at the Bolton Evening News, Newspaper house, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE, or e-mail us on ben_edit@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk

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