BOLTON will throw a party to remember to welcome home Olympic hero Amir Khan.

Council leader Cllr Barbara Ronson said a special civic event to allow the people of the borough to show their appreciation for the 17-year-old Heaton boxer would take place on Saturday in Victoria Square. She said: "Amir has taken the country by storm. I have been in front of my TV cheering him on. He's a wonderful sportsman."

Amir is also expected to walk out at the Reebok Stadium before Wanderers home game with Manchester United on Saturday, September 11.

Amir has already enjoyed a world class send off to Athens at a special Olympic event at the town hall.

He joined six Boltonians who represented their country at previous games and were able to offer him a word or two of advise.

They included swimmer Anthony Howard, who competed in Sydney four-years-ago; wrestler Albert Aspen, who took part in both the Tokyo and Rome games; and weightlifter Jim Halliday, of London 1948 games.

Also there to wish him well was hurdler Chris Goudge, who also represented Britain in Rome in 1960; Paul Morris who wrestled in Seoul in 1988 and Fred Norris, who ran in the 1956 Olympics.

They are now hoping to see the youngster parading a silver medal on the steps of the town hall.

Cllr Ronson said: "All the athletes wished Amir well but I think his success has exceeded even their expectations.

"All of Bolton should be proud of him and he is a magnificent role model for youngsters to look up to."