Council boss Peter Greenhalgh has been awarded hero status by cult BBC show Top Gear for his stance on speed cameras in Swindon.

Presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond heaped praise on Swindon Borough Council's lead member for transport and highways for his campaign to get rid of the speed cameras.

Co-presenter Hammond offered to present Coun Greenhalgh, with a trophy of excellence to celebrate his achievements, and invited him to visit the show. The presenters unveiled a special throne of gratitudefor him to sit on should he ever visit the show's studio.

even has his own Top Clarkson began his eulogy by saying: "This week Britain has a new motoring hero and here he is Peter Greenhalgh from Swindon Council."

He offered the Freshbrook and Grange Park councillor the award "for common sense in the face of blatant stupidity".

The council's intention to withdraw from the speed camera partnership,hit the national headlines last week.

The Top Gear presenters were under the impression that a decision had already been made to remove cameras, even though the council is still only considering the issue.

Coun Greenhalgh said he had an inkling something would be mentioned on the BBC2 show.

He said: "I was aware something was going on because they rang up to check the pronunciation of my surname.

"But I had no idea exactly what they were planning to do.

"I was about five minutes behind everyone else because I had recorded it but as soon as it had been on the phone started going crazy.

"I didn't stop taking calls until about midnight.

"It was very unexpected and very flattering - I'd love to go and watch Top Gear being filmed.

"I think this debate is one that is long overdue and it is good to see that it has struck a chord with so many people. Of course I am focussing on Swindon and I want to look at ways of trying to improve road safety.

"Things we've been looking at include subsidising Pass Plus, which covers elements such as motorway and night driving, which should really be included in the normal driving test.

"We are also working with local colleges so young people taking their driving test have already had a speed awareness course."

Hammond sounded a note of caution for any visitors to Swindon, to watch their speed when going through the town.

Co-presenter May went further, saying: "If you do happen to have any sort of accident in Swindon, wait until it's dark and push the wreckage into Devizes."