Pagham motor racing ace Derek Bell spoke today of his delight at being awarded the Freedom of Le Mans.
He is only the fourth driver in the history of Le Mans to be awarded the title Honoured Citizen of Le Mans.
He said: "It took me completely by surprise. To be honest I feel a little embarrassed because it is such an honour and to receive it after my career at Le Mans is over was just something I did not expect."
Mr Bell won the famous 24-hour endurance race five times and came close to passing the chequered flag first on several other occasions with various co-drivers, including his son Justin in 1995.
His first win in the 79-year-old race was in 1975 and his last was in 1987.
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