BRITAIN'S only boxer in this year's Olympic games was given a world-class send off by the town's Olympian stars of yesteryear.

Amir Khan, aged 17, will go to Athens to represent Great Britain as the only boxer to qualify for the world's biggest sporting contest.

And at a special ceremony in recognition of his achievement, the teenager declared: "I'm capable of coming home with a medal." The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Prentice Howarth, hosted a special function to wish Amir luck, alongside seven former Boltonian competitors.

Amir was joined by swimmer Anthony Howard, who took part in the games in Sydney in 2000, Paul Morris, who wrestled in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, and wrestler Albert Aspen who took part in the Rome and Tokyo Olympics of 1960 and 1964.

Runner Fred Norris, who ran in the 1956 Olympics, and weighlifter Jim Halliday, who competed in the 1948 games in London, were also joined by athlete Chris Goudge. The former stars gave advice to the youngster on his Olympic debut, and chatted about their world-class performances.

Fred Norris, now aged 84, recalled his setting of 54 British records in his time as a marathon runner.

He said: "It was very different in my day. We were competing during the Cold War, and I remember our planes being chased by the Russians.

"I even remember running with a serious bout of stomach trouble and still coming in first place. That would not happen today.

"I hope Amir does well. I've seen him on the television this week, and he looks in good shape."

At the other end of the generation gap was Anthony Howard, now aged 24. He said: "I would advise Amir just to enjoy the experience.

"The whole Olympic team ethos is of one big family. Amir is obviously there to compete, but he will be part of the whole spirit of the games.

"His progression has been interesting, and I wish him all the best. The whole of Bolton will be behind him."

Amir, from Heaton, said: "Just getting to the Olympics as one of 40 boxers at the qualifiers is a big thing for me.

"I'm only 17 years old and have achieved this already. Some people think I'm not capable of doing well, but I'm quite confident in myself. I think I do have a chance of a medal, if my boxing is up to standard.

"I've been talking to the ex-Olympians and it is great to hear their experiences as they were there before. They have given me some great advice and I feel better prepared."

Cllr Howarth said Amir would now be a part of Bolton's 'magnificent sporting heritage."

She added: "We can be proud of him. At such a young age to achieve this is fantastic and he is very confident. To bring a medal back to Bolton would be a wonderful thing."