BOXING sensation Amir Khan has popped in to see his former sparring partners in Bolton to show them his Olympic silver medal.

The 17-year-old from Heaton visited Bolton Lads and Girls Club where he began his career.

He spoke to youngsters and his former sparring partners at the Spa Road gym, including Alex Matvienko, for more than one hour, telling them about his two weeks in Athens last month when he mixed with the world's best athletes. Khan started his career at the Lads and Girls Club as an unknown nine-year-old, but quickly made a name for himself, amassing a host of trophies.

Jeremy Glover, chief executive of Bolton Lads and Girls Club, said: "He talked about his time in the Olympic Village and how athletes such as Kelly Holmes and Matthew Pinsent kept on encouraging him to do his best. He has kept a level head throughout his career and is just one of the lads, an original member of the boxing club. He is a real talent and were all proud of his achievements."

Just hours after returning from Athens, Khan spent time with members of Bolton Senior Gateway -- a group which looks after adults with learning difficulties -- to show them his medal. He was invited to the Jubilee Centre, Bernice Street by a neighbour and dropped in unannounced. Mrs Hutchinson, vice chairman of Senior Gateway, said: "We were all over the moon to see Amir and actually touch his Olympic medal. These are very precious moments and are very much appreciated by everyone."

Amir is guest of honour atSaturday's Bolton Wanderers match against Manchester United at the Reebok. Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce has invited him into the Whites' dressing room ahead the big game.

On Monday, Khan stunned staff at Bolton Hospice when he paid them a surprise visit armed with flowers to cheer up patients.

He arrived -- again unannounced -- telling staff there was little space left at his family's home for the bouquets because he had received so many bunches from adoring fans.

The former Smithills school pupil said he had decided to donate the flowers to the hospice to cheer up patients.

They are now dotted around the facility on Park Street, Heaton, and are being enjoyed by patients and family visitors.

Debra Graham, Fundraising co-ordinator at the Hospice, said: "Amir turned up out of the blue with some members of his family, armed with lots and lots of flowers.

"The hospice is now full of lovely flowers, and all the patients and their families think they are lovely."

Amir's achievements have also been recognised in a House of Commons Early Day Motion tabled by Bolton South-east MP Brian Iddon, congratulating Amir on his silver medal.

Dr Iddon said: "We are now looking forward to watching him progress and hope that he will be a member of Team GB at the next games in Beijing in 2008."

Bolton North-east's David Crausby said: "Amir is a worthy champion and a credit to Bolton he has certainly put Bolton on the map worldwide and it is a pleasure to support and recognise him in this way."

Ruth Kelly, MP for Bolton West said: "Amir clearly showed his worth in Athens and looks to have a very promising boxing career ahead of him. Last Saturday's homecoming for Amir highlighted the immense support and admiration the people of Bolton have for him. "