MACCLESFIELD’S Olympic hero Ben Ainslie could soon be riding his wave of sailing glory straight to Silk Town ... for a free pint of ale.

If councillors decide to honour him with the Freedom of the Borough, ancient law would grant the triple gold medal winner permission to "parade his cattle through the town on market day" or "leave his horse and cart outside the town hall".

But when the Express caught up with the 6ft sailor in Worsley, he had one question on his mind – "Could that get me free pints in the Macc pubs?"

He added: "It would be great to parade my cattle, and park up my horse, but it would be even better to get some free pints!

"And could I park wherever I like for nothing?"

The handsome superstar of the seas may have an OBE and numerous honorary degrees already, but he reckons the town’s highest accolade would be the cherry on his sailing cake.

Ben, who started his boating career on Redesmere Lake and lived in Macclesfield until he was eight, added: "I’m very excited about that.

"It’s good to know the people of Macclesfield remember me."

After perusing the Express’s coverage of his mammoth achievement, he added: "When you’re away at the Olympics, it’s like you’re in a bubble and you only realise the support you have when you get home.

"My dad told me I was being considered for Freedom of Macclesfield and I was very honoured," added Ben, who now lives in Lymington.

"And my granny would be very proud."

She’s not the only one – Ben is hot property and everyone wants a piece of the "best sailor in British history" as he soaks up the post-Beijing attention.

But Macclesfield can lay first claim to Ben, as the marvellous mariner started life in the town’s very own hospital.

The former Terra Nova School pupil, said: "I remember the beautiful countryside in Macclesfield and Jodrell Bank is amazing and was just round the corner from my school.

"It was strange driving up here actually and going past where I used to live and go to school, it’s like going back to when you were younger.

"I had a great time growing up in Macclesfield and used to sail at Redesmere."

Ben started sailing when he was four, spurred on by his keen sailor parents, Sue and Roddy, who now live in Cornwall, and competed for the first time in 1988, when he won the national under-12s title.

Ben says sailing brings out his competitive streak, but the toughest challenge is competing with everyone’s expectations. It’s difficult when everyone expects so much from you, the pressure is intense, but you also have your own expectations and desires.

"I’m most proud of myself for dealing with the conditions at this year’s Olympics."

Poor conditions delayed Ben’s Beijing Finn race but the wind changed on his luck and he bagged his third consecutive gold in the event.

Ben said: "It’s a bit surreal sometimes when you hear all these nice things about you and it’s good for British sailing.

"But I’m just lucky to be able to do what I love."

Ben’s late grandparents lived in Knutsford and Wilmslow and he still comes to the North West to visit his uncle.

His sister, Fleur Pels, lives in Lymington and Ben says he has become very popular with his niece and nephew since the Olympics.

He added: "I’m definitely the cool uncle now."

AMBC spokesman said: "There does not appear to be an arrangement where people with the Freedom of the Borough get free pints – but we will look into it!"