Honours delight for stars
Two heroes of the West Midlands were today among leading figures from the world of sport and music to pick up New Year Honours.
Rock giant Robert Plant is honoured with a CBE, while 14-year-old Aldridge swimming sensation Eleanor Simmonds becomes the youngest ever recipient of an MBE.
West Bromwich-born Plant, aged 60, who now lives near Kidderminster found fame with rock band Led Zeppelin. He receives his honour for services to music.
Plant's long-time friend, Wolves hero Steve Bull, said today: "It's very much deserved."
Eleanor Simmonds, a former AIdridge Science College pupil, stormed to victory in the 100 metres and the 400 metres freestyle at the Paralympics.
Today she told how the award, for services to disabled sport, had "topped a great year". She said "This year has been a real whirlwind and really a fairy tale, but this is just a real honour. It's just so amazing. I got the letter and had to keep it secret. It was really hard to hold it in but I had to."
Nationally, other Olympians led the way in the roll of honour. Triple gold cyclist Chris Hoy receives a knighthood today – but insisted he was just as pleased about his mother getting an MBE.
