Sadly, Perry was knocked out in a titanic clash and just missed out on the final, but Mrs Elam admitted she was preparing an open top bus parade ready for a final appearance and had people asking for a street to be named after him.

"I was listening to it all over the weekend," said Mrs Elam, adding: "We were preparing an open top bus parade for him, but hopefully next time he'll do it. He's certainly worked hard for it and we're proud of his accomplishments."

Mrs Elam also said it had taken her an hour to walk through the High Street yesterday morning (Tuesday) because of the amount of people talking to her about Perry's performance.

"I've had people approach me to see if we can name a road after him, but I'm not sure it could happen," added Mrs Elam, who also said she would be sending him a letter to congratulate him.

Perry's incredible run at The Crucible came to an end after losing an epic semi-final to Ali Carter 17-15 on Saturday.

The pair had been involved in a real see-saw match with the lead changing hands on many occasions, before Carter won three frames in a row to set up a final with Ronnie O'Sullivan.

However Perry (33), competing in the stage of the competition for the first time, believes he is good enough to win the sports biggest prize.

Speaking to the Citizen on the day after his defeat, the Fen potter said: "I've always believed I was good enough to win it one day.

"On the whole I'm obviously disappointed and I'd rather be playing in the final, but I'm really happy with how I've played. I've proven to myself I'm good enough."

Perry, who was born in Wisbech and now lives in Chatteris with his wife Jo and 19-month old daughter, made it to the tournament after beating Joe Parrott in a qualifier, a feat he won't have to do next year. His performance in this year's event has moved him provisionally into the top 16 of the world rankings.

He then went on to beat former champion Graeme Dott, Stuart Bingham and Stephen Maguire, a player Perry describes as one of the best in world at the moment.

"Stephen Maguire was highly regarded amongst the players and he was hotly fancied and I beat him. He was the most in form player of the season.

"I don't believe I had the comfortable route through," added Perry, who is nicknamed The Gentleman on the professional circuit.

Now the season finale is over, Perry turns his attention to a trip to Chelmsford to compete in a qualifying group looking to enter the Premier League of Snooker.

He will then work out how to spend the £52,000 he pocketed from reaching the penultimate round of the tournament.

He added: "I was planning on getting a new car, but I'm getting a sponsored vehicle so I'll take the wife out and treat her."