Richard Hill and mayor Bobbie Chettleburgh show off their respective souvenirs following the Guildhall reception.lA GREAT wave of pride engulfed homegrown hero Richard Hill when family, friends and former team-mates joined civic leaders inside the Guildhall for a special reception in his honour, hosted by Salis-bury mayor Bobbie Chettleburgh.

One by one they stepped forward to thank the Saracens and England star for allowing Salisbury to share in his magnificent sporting achievements.

The mayor presented the unassuming guest of honour with an engraved silver salver commemorating the homecoming. And she owned up to deriving great pleasure from the bragging rights the success of a Salisbury boy had afforded her with relatives in both Wales and New Zealand.

She added: "This is a wonderful day for all the people of Salisbury - to see the World Cup and be able to thank Richard for his part in making England the best in the world."

Her sentiments were shared by former colleagues from Salisbury Rugby Club, where a young Hill began his career at the tender age of five, and by Dorset & Wilts RFU president John Wilding, who said: "We might not be in the top flight, but the twin counties have produced one of the key features of the England team."

Salisbury's president Bob Baker, added: "This is an extraordinarily proud day. You cannot imagine the electric atmosphere in the clubhouse as we watched Richard play in the World Cup Final.

"What he did was outstanding.

"He is a great ambassador for the sport and an inspiration to the many youngsters who come and play mini-rugby in the hope that one day they will be as good as he is."

In response to the generous tributes, Hill thanked the city for its unstinting support.

He said: "Salisbury is close to my heart and I am always in Salisbury Rugby Club's debt. The enjoyment of the sport I learned there, I still have today."

The England stalwart, who represented the twin counties earlier in his career, explained: "I was almost insulted when I was asked whether I would adopt Dorset and Wiltshire.

"There was never any question that I would bring the World Cup here. It was just a matter of setting the date. This is my home.

"Salisbury has been good to me."

At the ceremony, Hill presented a specially commissioned rugby ball to the organiser of the Dorset and Wiltshire leg of the Sweet Chariot tour and a souvenir plaque to former team-mate David Murley.