Excitement surrounding County Durham's latest sporting hero continued as the Ferryhill Flyer's achievement on the world's stage was formally acknowledged in his home town yesterday. Chris Fay reports.

PHILL NIXON made the ten- minute trip from his home in Skipton Close, Ferryhill, to the town hall by chauffeur-driven limousine

But it was only a couple of weeks ago, he and his wife, Suzanne, endured a ten-hour slog on public transport, travelling to the British Darts Organisation's world championships, in Essex.

Watched by millions, the Flyer came within a fraction of pulling off one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history.

Losing 7-6 to top seed and England captain, Martin Adams, is not bad for a 150-1 rank outsider, but it only hints at the drama of what was a spectacular match.

WIth Phill 6-0 down going into the break, he returned to the oche to win six consecutive sets, only to just miss out in the decider.

Fast forward to yesterday's civic reception and having returned home a sporting hero, Phill is the centre of attention again.

Jamie Corrigan, Ferryhill Town Council's executive officer said: "I think Phill has put Ferryhill on the map and he has put darts on the map. We are all very proud of him and we wanted to do something to show that."

Yesterday's event was hosted by Ferryhill Town Council in partnership with Durham County Council and Sedgefield Borough Council, who all wanted to congratulate Phill.

Durham County Council chairman Ernie Foster said the Ferryhill Flyer had secured a place in the county's sporting hall of fame.

After presenting him with a plaque to mark his achievement, he said: "County Durham has a great reputation for producing world-class sportsmen and sportswomen and Phill has certainly added his name to the list of illustrious stars.

"His fantastic performance brightened up a dull winter weekend and came within a whisker of pulling off one of the greatest comebacks in sport."

Talking to Phill after the other speeches, it was clear where he would rather be.

"I can't get used to this sort of thing, my hands are shaking, I'd rather be playing on stage," he said.

"I knew I had a lot of support from back home when I was playing, which was fantastic, but I just thought I was going to come home and that was it really."

"I certainly wasn't expecting all this."

So what next for the Flyer - a few days off and a well-earned break? Far from it - it's a 5am start as he sets off to Berkshire today for a county match.

See Sport - Pages 32 and 3