Call to name road after runner

Paula Radcliffe won the marathon in a record time

Athletics star Paula Radcliffe could have a new road named after her.

Supporters in her home town of Bedford want Radcliffe's name emblazoned on a new bypass in honour of her sporting achievements.

The call comes following a tremendous year for Paula Radcliffe, who lives and trains in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

The world-class runner won the London marathon and gold medals in both the Commonwealth Games and European Championships.

Georgio Garofalo, a keen runner who works as a hairdresser in Bedford, wants the new Clapham bypass, due to open next year, to be named Paula Radcliffe Way.

"Paula is a fantastic role model for young people and it seems fitting that we should try and recognise her achievements," he said.

Fred Wooding, of the Bedford Athletic Club - where Paula Radcliffe started out, said: "We are a very small market town and to produce athletes of such quality does warrant recognition at the highest level."