Famous Sons & Daughters: Three outstanding Wulfrunians set to be honoured

The awards recognise notable Wulfrunians for outstanding achievements in their fields and subsequent contribution to civic pride in Wolverhampton.

Olympic gold-medallist Tessa Sanderson, former Wolverhampton Wanderers and England footballer Ron Flowers and critically-acclaimed artist Willard Wigan will be celebrated on November 9 at the Molineux Stadium.

Emigrating to Wolverhampton from Jamaica as a child, Ms Sanderson rose to fame as a Team GB Javelin thrower and heptathlete.

She competed in six Olympic competitions between 1976 and 1996, claiming the gold medal at the 1984 games in Los Angeles. She is also a three-time Commonwealth champion and recipient of the CBE.

Mr Flowers made nearly 500 appearances for Wolves, winning three league championships and the FA Cup during his 15-year tenure.

He also won 49 caps for England and was part of the winning squad at the 1966 World Cup. The 83 year-old has also found success as a retailer and has been at the head of his Queen Street sports shop, Ron Flowers Sports, for nearly 50 years.

Creating sculptures as small as 0.005mm within the eye of a needle, Mr Wigan is a world-renowned figure in microscopic art.

The Wednesfield artist has been featured at multiple exhibitions, appeared on US talk shows and was commissioned to create a portrait of the Queen as part of her Diamond Jubilee, which he carved into a single coffee bean. Mr Wigan received his MBE in 2007.

These three honorary citizens will be joined by four other famous sons and daughters, who will be revealed in the coming weeks. Past winners include sports stars Steve Bull and Denise Lewis, the late Baroness Rachel Heyhoe-Flint, TV presenter Suzi Perry, and singers Liam Payne and Beverley Knight.

Businesses from around the city are being urged to buy places at the ceremony on November 9, which includes a drinks reception, dinner and the glittering awards presentation, hosted by Signal 107’s Dicky Dodd alongside world champion cyclist Hugh Porter.

MNA Promotions Manager Viv Birch said: "It is very exciting to be able to announce the first three recipients of this year’s Famous Sons & Daughters awards who reflect the city’s rich heritage in sport and creativity.

"The awards event itself will be a great evening of civic celebration, attended by previous celebrity winners and various other guests. Last year we had to turn businesses away, so we urge everyone to book their places as soon as possible."

A table for 10 costs £600 or an individual ticket £60.

Those interested in booking places can call Chris Bywater or Isobel Bennett at First City on 01902 710999 or email chris@firstcity.co.uk. Places are limited.