The proud parents of Peter Shilton have told how they were moved to tears after discovering he had picked up a lifetime achievement award.
On Thursday, the former Leicester City and England goalkeeper was presented with the prize at the Leicester Mercury Sports Awards.
Accepting it, he paid tribute to his mum and dad, May and Leslie, and said he knew they would be incredibly moved when they found out about it.
Mr Shilton senior, who is 92, said: "When we read about the award, May and I did shed a tear or two. Peter has won so many trophies and awards, but to be recognised by his home-town newspaper was very special.
"And, of course, we had to read it in the Mercury."
The couple have been avid readers of the paper for 71 years.
During Peter's 30-year career, they would cut out his match reports, building up a huge file of memories.
Mr Shilton senior, who served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War and then ran a number of businesses, follows the fortunes of City, the Tigers and Leicestershire County Cricket Club through the Mercury.
"I always go straight to the back pages first to see what's going on," he said.
"Tigers did well to beat Toulouse and I am sure City will do well in the promotion chase.
"I followed Peter's sporting exploits through the Mercury over the years and three things stand out.
"I remember reading about his save for England from Kenny Dalglish at Hampden Park.
"Also, about the save Peter made for Forest which clinched a 0-0 draw against Coventry City, which critics regarded as his greatest ever.
"A vicious close-range header from Mick Ferguson seemed destined for the net, with Peter slightly out of position, but he managed to get across the goal to palm it over." It was a save which helped the club win the First Division title.
Two performances for City against Liverpool in the FA Cup in 1969 were also special.
"We drew 0-0 at home and people thought it was a forgone conclusion what would happen in the replay," he said. "But Peter kept a clean sheet and we won 1-0."
Unfortunately, Leicester went on to lose the final 1-0.
Mrs Shilton, 91, said: "We started to read the Mercury just before we were married in 1942.
"I love to read all about the local news.
"We knew about the ceremony, but it was lovely to read about Peter winning the award.
"Peter has always been down to earth and loves his Leicester roots so I am sure it will be very special to him, too."
For more on the Leicester Mercury Sports Awards, see our supplement in today's paper.
