A national survey has found more people think Albert Einstein should be cloned than Jesus – but what about our local heroes. The Evening Star went out to find out who you would like to see cloned.

A national survey has found more people think Albert Einstein should be cloned than Jesus – but what about our local heroes. The Evening Star went out to find out who you would like to see cloned. There may be only one Sir Bobby Robson, but many of you would like to see another back at Portman Road!

IN THE week that the world of science and religion was shocked by the news that more people would like to see a clone of Einstein than Christ, in Suffolk we found the result slightly more predictable.

When we asked people which Suffolk heroes they would like to see cloned, the importance of football in the region soon became clear.

Legendary Ipswich Town knights Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson topped the list of potential clone donors.

And Norwich City director and celebrity chef Delia Smith topped many people's lists of who they wouldn't like to see cloned!

They were neck-and-neck in the list of heroes for Suffolk people, but scientists can only clone living people – so Sir Bobby wins by default.

Also Sir Bobby has been denied by the 'Hand of God' before so he needs to get a bit of help this time!

Dominic Wiles, a student aged 17 from Saxmundham, summed up the thoughts of many: "Bobby Robson should be cloned as he is a very good manager. He works hard to make a club the best and gives all his time and effort."

He is deep in the hearts of Ipswich Town fans in Suffolk for leading the Tractor Boys to victory in the 1978 FA Cup final and lifting the UEFA Cup in 1981. Not mention his achievements with our national side.

Another football hero, Sir Alf Ramsey, was equally popular.

He led Town to the club's only league championship in 1962 – and followed that by leading England to World Cup glory in 1966.

But while most people were prepared to have some fun, the serious side of cloning wasn't completely ignored.

Violet Ward, 75, from Helmingham echoed a lot of people's concerns about cloning and it's possible consequences.

"Cloning shouldn't be allowed at all. Everything should be allowed to happen naturally then you don't get any defects. All of my eight children were born naturally and they are all fine."

Other names mentioned included themselves, Suffolk's own Liverpudlian John Peel, Delia Smith and John Constable.

Felixstowe's late Mr Panto, Dennis Lowe, was nominated by Alan Smith and his wife Andrea.

"He was fabulous, he was Mr Showbiz and should have gone on forever," Mrs Smith said.

But someone found it hard to name anyone in Suffolk they liked.

When given some suggestions Amanda Peachment, 36, from Ixworth said: "I definitely would not like Jeffery Archer cloned, but I can't think of anybody I would."

John Gummer and Delia Smith were others said they wouldn't like to see in stereo.

What do you think? Please contact the Evening Star Newsdesk at 40 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN.

FACT FILE

Cloning is the creation of cells using a single "parent".

Critics say it is "playing God'.

Scientists warn that most mammal clones have birth defects – if they survive at all.

The first cloned mammal was Dolly the sheep, created in Edinburgh in 1997.

As long ago as 1975 a US scientist cloned tadpoles.

87% of people in a recent poll said the cloning of humans should be banned.