A PROUD Boltonian has been praised as an ‘absolute colossus’ by his newly-elected successor as president of the International Paralympic Committe (IPC).

Andrew Parsons has been chosen to take over from Sir Philip Craven, who has held the role since 2001.

The former Bolton School pupil, aged 67, leaves the Paralympic movement in a far healthier position than he found it, something Mr Parsons — who has previously served as Sir Philip’s vice-president — was quick to acknowledge.

He said: “Sir Philip is a legend, a mentor, an example and an absolute colossus, it’s impossible to describe him with just words.

“I have very big shoes to fill but I think I learned a lot from him and I will try to pay tribute to him by following in his footsteps.”

During Sir Philip’s 16 years in charge of the IPC, the Paralympics have become the world’s third largest sporting event, beaten only by the Olympics and World Cup.

As an athlete, he represented Great Britain in wheelchair basketball at five editions of the Paralympic Games from 1972 to 1988.

He also competed in track and field athletics and swimming at the 1972 Games.

He was knighted in June 2005.