BLACKBURN'S very own world champion Carl Fogarty was returning home a hero today.

Foggy won his record-breaking fourth World Superbike title in front of 30,000 Union Jack waving fans at Hockenheim in Germany yesterday.

And the town is already preparing to honour its greatest ever sporting hero. Plans are under way for a civic reception, and council leader Malcolm Doherty today said he would look into the possibility of naming something in the town after him.

"It is fantastic for the town," said Coun Doherty. "It has a similar effect on people as the football does - people recognise that Carl is from Blackburn and connect success with the area.

"Only last night my son said how they always referred to him as Blackburn's Carl Fogarty on Teletext!"

And Coun Doherty said that Carl's success was a major boost for the town. "Carl has always been a great ambassador for Blackburn and has always been prepared to do what he can to promote it "

Although he said the naming of civic landmarks in the town was not something that politicians normally got involved in, he would look into the possibility of a permanent tribute to Carl's achievements.

Local motorcycle dealers were predicting that Carl's success would be a major boost for the whole industry. "It is definitely good for motorcycling - its been the talk of our shop this morning," said Roger Clarke, of Accrington motorbike dealer Clarkes.

And he said the 33-year-old from Mellor was now firmly established as a national sporting hero.

"More people went to Brands Hatch to watch him than went to Silverstone to watch the Grand Prix! It is just a pity the national media don't seem to recognise just how much Carl has achieved."

The rider's success in the sport has already won him an MBE. Today top politicians also paid tribute to him.

Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: "Its wonderful for Carl and its terrific for Blackburn.

"I've known Carl for many years, it shows extraordinary courage as well as skill that he's been able to win this world title for the fourth time.

"His success is a matter of great pride for the people of Blackburn."

Lord Taylor of Blackburn said Carl was a success story everyone in the town should be proud of.

"I would also pay tribute to his parents for their support and dedication which have helped Carl become the best in the world."

Earlier this year Carl was named in a league table of Britain's top ten best paid sports stars with an estimated income of £2.7 million.

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