Chance to name tram after local hero

Centro, the West Midlands passenger transport authority, has put forward three names for a re-named Midland Metro tram. And one lucky person whose vote is pulled out of the hat will be invited to drive the newly-named tram. The choices are Wolverhampton Wanderers hero Billy Wright, Walsall born author Jerome K Jerome and Great Barr's Francis Asbury.

The idea follows a debate through the letters page of the Express & Star when a reader put the idea to Phil Bateman, corporate affairs director for the Midland Metro, through one of his weekly transport columns in the newspaper.

Peter Creed, secretary of the Former Players' Association, kicked off the campaign in October last year by publicly calling on Metro chiefs to put Billy Wright's name on a tram, but Centro has decided to put the idea to a vote.

Metro bosses have previously named a tram after West Bromwich Albion legend Jeff Astle.

Other names include the Sister Dora tram, named after the woman who set up the first hospital in Walsall, as well as trams named in tribute to former Lord Mayor of Birmingham Theresa Stewart and the late Wolverhampton councillor Alan Garner. To vote, all readers need to do is cut out the attached coupon for their Black Country hero, put their contact details on it and send it to Centro. People can also vote on-line at www.networkwestmidlands.com from 4pm today.

Walsall councillor Gary Clarke, chairman of Centro, said: "This is chance for people who gave so much to the Black Country during their lives to be recognised.

"It is important that the younger generation gets a chance to learn about some of our heroes and by honouring them in this way we can help to ensure they are remembered.

"The prize of driving the tram is something which can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. The first time I was allowed to drive one, under supervision of course, I found it fascinating."

Get your coupon in Friday's Express & Star.