This is Leicestershire --Veteran broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan has backed Leicester's bid to be the UK City of Culture 2017.
The celebrity's link with Leicester began in the 1980s when he referred to it as "the lost city"– one constantly mentioned in traffic reports but "otherwise unknown to mankind".
However, the velvet-voiced master of the airwaves has made annual trips to Leicester in recent years for conventions held by his fans – Terry's Old Geezers (Togs) – and he has witnessed its strides forward.
Sir Terry said: "I'm the proud possessor of a small silver trowel, once presented to me by a mayor of Leicester, an even prouder owner of an honorary doctorate from Leicester University and will be always grateful to one of the country's finest seats of learning for the hospitality it has always shown to me and my Togs.
"Leicester is a proud city of learning, of history and certainly worthy of the title City of Culture."
The city now has three short-listed rivals – Swansea Bay, Hull and Dundee – and all the contenders must submit a detailed bid to the Department of Culture by the end of September.
Celebrity backers are being sought by all four cities.
Leicester is already being supported by the likes of film legend Lord Attenborough and best-selling author Sue Townsend, creator of the Adrian Mole series.
Sir Terry was speaking following his latest visit to Leicester for the latest Togs convention, which ended on Monday.
University of Leicester business student Saira Kazmi was at the convention in Oadby because of her work for Children In Need, of which Sir Terry is a huge supporter, and was photographed with the star to show her support for Leicester.
Saira, 24, of Syston, said: "Terry is a really nice man and I listen to his radio show and I've read his book, so it was great to meet him.
"He autographed my arm so I'm not showering any more!
"I think Leicester has a really good chance to win because it's a very cultured city and we discovered Richard III here, so we should win."
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "It's really good news that even Terry Wogan is behind us. It just shows how far Leicester has come over recent years if he has had to eat his words!"
This year marks the ninth time the Togs have held their convention at the university.
Emma Rathbone, of the university, said: "We've been fortunate enough to welcome Sir Terry Wogan on a number of occasions and I think he really quite likes it here now."
The City of Culture winner will be chosen in November. Reported by This is 14 hours ago.