Sons and Daughters unveiled: Famous trio join group selected for prestigious accolade

West End actress Frances Barber, sports presenter Jacqui Oatley and and Marston’s managing director Richard Westwood have been chosen to receive the accolade.

They will join Olympic gold-medallist Tessa Sanderson, former Wolves and England footballer Ron Flowers and artist Willard Wigan at the ceremony on November 9, taking place at Molineux Stadium.

The biennial awards recognise individuals across the arts, business, media and sport who have made significant contributions to the reputation of Wolverhampton, through their work and achievements in their field.

Born and raised in Wolverhampton, Ms Barber began her acting career on stage in the late seventies.

She is a two-time Olivier Award nominee, for her work in the Royal Shakespeare Company production of Camille and Antony Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, and has played many famed roles in theatre including Lady Macbeth.

The actress moved more into film and television roles in the mid-eighties including appearances in Poirot, Inspector Morse, Red Dwarf, The IT Crowd and Doctor Who. In recent years, she has become well-known for BBC legal drama Silk.

Following a successful career in marketing and broadcast journalism, Jacqui rose to fame for her work on BBC’s Match of the Day when she became the first ever female commentator to work on the show in 2007.

She later went on to be a presenter in 2015 and continues to front the BBC’s coverage of women’s football.

She has since become a regular presenter for ITV Sport, anchoring their coverage for the Euro 2016 football tournament, as well as presenting on BT Sport and BBC Radio 5 Live.

Born in Wolverhampton and raised in Codsall, she attended St. Dominic’s School in Brewood and Wolverhampton Grammar School in her youth. She was made an MBE in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to broadcasting and diversity in sport.

Beginning his career as a lab technician at the Wolverhampton & Dudley Brewery over 40 years ago, Mr Westwood rose through the ranks as a head brewer.

He played a pivotal role in the commercial growth of the business in the nineties, taking charge of multiple breweries and the acquisition of Marston’s, whom the company took the name of.

Mr Westwood now sits as managing director and continues to push the Marston’s name through their two national beer brands, Pedigree and Hobgoblin, as well as overseeing the development of new brewing technology, including Fastcask which launched in 2009.

In supporting the event, the Express & Star is joining Wolverhampton council, the University of Wolverhampton and other leading organisations working together through Partners In Progress, a business group set up to promote the city.

Past winners of a Famous Sons and Daughters award include One Direction’s Liam Payne, Wolves legend Steve Bull, BT Sport’s MotoGP presenter Suzi Perry and Olympic gold-medallist Denise Lewis.

Places are still available for businesses from around the city to attend the evening event, which includes a drinks reception, dinner and the glittering awards ceremony, hosted by Signal 107’s Richard Dodd and world-champion cyclist Hugh Porter.

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

Chris Leggett, marketing and communications director for Express & Star publisher Midland News Association, said: “It promises to be a fantastic occasion, honouring the very best that Wolverhampton has to offer.”