BOXING hero Amir Khan is due to touch down in Manchester on Tuesday night after landing an Olympic silver medal.

The Bury fighter will be given the star treatment after becoming the youngest British boxer ever to win an Olympic medal.

The 17-year-old prodigy put up a sterling battle against hot favourite and three-times world champion Mario Kindelan (33), from Cuba, losing 30-22 on points in the lightweight final on Sunday (Aug 29).

The youngster, who walked into the gym of Bury Boxing Club at the age of 11, has resisted the financial lure of turning professional, vowing to remain amateur and go for gold in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

He said: "I've done Great Britain proud and maybe at the next Olympics I'll get the gold medal. I was calm because I had nothing to lose. I knew I was up against an Olympic champion so I went and tried my best."

Mike Jelley, coach of the club based at the Seedfield Centre, said: "He tried his best and has done British boxing proud."

Amir's family jetted out from their Bolton home to Athens to witness his magnificent displays which have taken the nation by storm, and turned him into a superstar overnight.

His father, Shah, said: "I am so proud. It is good for amateur boxing and hopefully will bring people into it, especially in our area. I will still be involved with Bury Boxing Club, and whatever happens in the future, his coach Mick Jelley will always be with us."

Amir, who is studying at Bolton Technical College, returned to England yesterday (Aug 30) to a reception in London for the entire Team Great Britain squad.

He is set to arrive back at Manchester Airport tonight where a hero's welcome awaits.

A civic reception has already been arranged for him in Victoria Square, Bolton, on Saturday when thousands of fans are expected to turn up.