TENNIS champion Andy Murray has been invited to Worthing after name checking the town in his Sports Personality of the Year acceptance speech.

The former Wimbledon winner raised anger in the town after he quoted a Daily Mail article which referred to him as “duller than a weekend in Worthing”.

However while he quipped it was “harsh – on Worthing” locals are calling on the Davis Cup winner to visit the town to see what the seaside location is all about.

Councillor Bryan Turner said while it was “a bit of a jaw dropper” he was pleased at the extra attention the sportsman’s comments were getting Worthing.

He said: “You have the beach, the theatres, the bars, the microbreweries - it is just a cool place to live.

“I have been here for 35 years and I am from Scotland along with two other councillors, so I am sure he would like it if he came.”

He added: “Last year we had Greg Rusedski down and he played a match with the MP so hopefully we can do the same thing with Andy.”

Murray, who ended Great Britain's 79 year wait for a Davis Cup title, beat rugby league star Kevin Sinfield into second place with Jessica Ennis-Hill in third to claim the BBC’s sports accolade.

Asked in a Radio 5 Live interview if he had ever been to Worthing, the Scot replied: "I haven't been but I should probably pay it a visit.”

Town crier Councillor Bob Smytherman said: “I would gladly welcome Andy Murray to Worthing to show him and his family what a great place Worthing is to live, work and visit and would delighted to offer a guided tour including playing Tennis at West Worthing Tennis Club followed by Fish & Chips on the seafront.”

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, took to Twitter and said he would be “delighted to show you what you are missing any time”.

Worthing Birdman organiser Sharon Clarke said Murray was invited to take part in the daredevil feat which sees people dive from the town’s pier.

She said: "We quite often get celebrities - we've had presenters from Blue Peter, Jonathan Ansell from X Factor runners-up G4, and Eddie The Eagle.

"Warwick Davis wanted to have a go too but he wasn't allowed as you have to be able to swim at least 50 metres - so we just had to dangle him off the edge of the pier instead."