Tribute to movie star

A lasting tribute to West Bromwich-born Hollywood legend Madeleine Carroll finally went on public display today - 100 years after her birth.

The striking commemorative stone pays tribute to the alluring star who appeared in more than 40 British and American films in the 1930s and 40s, including Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps.

The grey and black granite feature was unveiled by local historian Terry Price and leader of Sandwell Council Bill Thomas this afternoon.

It is the culmination of a two-year campaign by Mr Price to put Madeleine back in the spotlight and highlight her outstanding career.

Mr Price, who jointly funded the memorial with Sandwell Council, said he also wanted to give Madeleine recognition for her humanitarian work during World War Two which saw her handed both the French Legion of Honour and the American Medal of Freedom.

Speaking at today's ceremony in West Bromwich town square he said: "I feel very privileged to have been instrumental in the reawakening of interest in Madeleine Carroll and to have played a part in ensuring her acting achievements, Red Cross work and humanitarian contribution to the plight of orphaned and displaced children has at long last been recognised by her home town of West Bromwich."

Fellow local historian and Express & Star columnist Carl Chinn was also a guest at the ceremony and said he was delighted to see the permanent memorial.

"I love its art-deco feel which ties in with the architectural theme of the 1930s," he said. Madeleine's cousin Ciaran O'Carroll was guest of honour.