Frank Skinner takes helm at Samuel Johnson Society

Star comedian Frank Skinner has been officially installed as the president of Lichfield's Samuel Johnson Society.

Frank was inducted during a gala ceremony at the city's Guildhall on Saturday evening. He becomes the 100th president of the society, founded in 1910, taking over from the Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill.

Previous presidents have included comedy writer Frank Muir and Irish journalist Frank Delaney.

The 53 year old stand-up comedian and chat show host, born Christopher Collins in Oldbury, also attended the 301st birthday celebrations for Dr Johnson, held earlier in the day in the city's Market Square.

After dashing off to watch his beloved West Bromwich Albion, Skinner returned to Lichfield in the evening for the induction ceremony and to deliver his presidential address.

Speaking to the Express & Star ahead of his induction, Skinner said: "I'm very excited indeed, and a little bit trepidatious."

Skinner, a former lecturer at Halesowen College, became a fan of Dr Johnson while studying English at Birmingham Polytechnic.

Earlier this year, the funnyman, who was raised a Roman Catholic, revealed he had turned down an appearance with the Pope in London in order to attend the Lichfield event.

However, Skinner said he had managed to catch a glimpse of the pontiff during his visit to London on Saturday. He had seen him go by in the Popemobile.