HE IS one of Hessle Road's most famous faces.
Now, one of five houses at the new Boulevard Academy have been named after Hull FC legend Johnny Whiteley.
The school, which has been built on the site of the historic former Hull FC ground, has taken inspiration from famous East Yorkshire figures to name their five houses after.
Whiteley House is the house linked to sport.
Pupils had the chance to help decide the other four houses which are linked to English, art, science and maths.
With the school taking the name of the former rugby ground, it was inevitable arguably the club's most famous player would be honoured somehow by the school.
Visiting the Boulevard to hand out the first house badges, Mr Whiteley said: "It's a big compliment.
"I have followed this building right through. I have come round on my own and seen it grow. It is absolutely fantastic.
"When the Boulevard was being knocked down we were all so sad.
"It has meant so much to so many people.
"Every family on the estate has some association with Hull FC and the Boulevard, and I don't think we could have had anything any better than this school for the site."
Other notable East Yorkshire people the youngsters chose include Philip Larkin for English, Thomas Ferens for science, John Venn for maths and Frederick Elwell for art.
Mr Whiteley says he is honoured to be among other East Yorkshire greats to be chosen as one of the house names.
He said: "When I see the other four houses I see the names of people in history and I feel very, very humbled.
"I'm just a local boy from the back streets and it is an honour to be linked with people like Larkin and Ferens.
"To be classed in this category makes me so especially proud."
Pupils researched people from East Yorkshire who they might want to name their houses after before a vote was held.
Andy Grace, principal at the academy, off Airlie Street, west Hull, said: "Everyone had a say in it and there was quite a lot of discussion and debate, but not with Whiteley House. It was unanimous."
