WORCESTER'S Muslim mayor has given the thumbs-up to disgraced former Kidderminster Harriers football star Lee Hughes over his decision to convert to Islam.

The 29-year-old one-time Premiership striker - who is serving a six-year jail term for causing death by dangerous driving - recently took part in an ceremony to convert after being befriended by Muslim inmates.

Mayor Councillor Allah Ditta said it would be a boost for the religion, which has had a negative image since the September 11 attacks linked to Islamic fundamentalists.

"I know what happens whenever people get into difficulty the first thing they do is turn to religion, so in that respect I wish him good luck," he said.

"Individuals give an impression of negativity because they've misused the religion but everybody should experience all religions and be encouraged to make their own decisions.

"I welcome his move though and think it's a wonderful gesture on his behalf."

Hughes was introduced to the faith by fellow prisoner Rafaqat Hussain, serving five years for robbery and drug offences.

It comes after he rediscovered his scoring touch playing for prison team Featherstone.

Last August, the then West Bromwich Albion striker, received the jail sentence at Coventry Crown Court after being found guilty of killing 56-year-old Douglas Graham when his £100,000 Mercedes ploughed into the car in which the father-of-four was a rear-seat passenger.

During the high-profile trial the court heard Hughes fled the scene of the accident in November 2003 and had drunk several alcoholic drinks the evening before.

Now, as a Muslim he has renounced booze and drugs, which he blames for his downfall, and prays barefoot five times a day.

He has also ditched lad mags such as FHM to study the Muslim holy book the Koran.

Since the fatal crash Mr Graham's widow Maureen, aged 51, who was injured in the collision, died of natural causes last December.

Other famous muslim converts

MUHAMMAD ALI

Arguably the most famous convert to the faith. Changed his name from Cassius Clay, which he dubbed a 'slave's name'. The three-time world heavyweight champion, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1933, converted to orthodox Islam in 1965 after winning the first of his world titles.

MICHAEL JACKSON The self-styled 'King of Pop,' one of the century's most popular and controversial entertainers, formally joined the Nation of Islam movement on December 17, 2003. He is currently 10 weeks into a trial in America on charges that he molested children.

CAT STEVENS

The British singer Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens - whose hits included Father And Son and Wild World - became Muslim in 1977, abandoning his musical career to promote the religion. He was recently barred from entering the United States.

CHRIS EUBANK

In March 1997, after the former super middleweight world champion defeated Camilo Alocon of Columbia at the Dubai Tennis Stadium in a light heavyweight contest. The former boxer studied the Koran for three years before becoming a Muslim, taking the name Hamdan.

MIKE TYSON

The heavyweight boxer converted to Islam after being sent to jail in Indiana in 1992 for raping Desiree Washington, a contestant at the Miss Black America pageant the previous year. He has always maintained his innocence, claiming Ms Washington consented to sex.

JEMIMA GOLDSMITH

The daughter of billionaire Sir James converted to the faith in 1995 after marrying former cricketer Imran Khan, taking the name Haiqa. The couple moved to Khan's home country of Pakistan and backed his political ambitions, but they divorced last year.