Bilston Leisure Centre honour for Bert Williams

A £15 million leisure centre being built in Bilston will be named after former Wolves and England goalkeeper Bert Williams after councillors unanimously backed a campaign.

Mr Williams, known as The Cat for his incredible saves, is regarded as one of the greatest England keepers ever.

He played in the 1950 World Cup and was in the Wolves team that won the FA Cup in 1949.

The 90-year-old is due to travel to Buckingham Palace next week to collect his MBE for services to football and charity.

Deputy mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Bert Turner proposed the accolade at a meeting of the full council last night.

He said: "Bert Williams is the best ever goal keeper. Even Gordon Banks said Bert was his hero."

He praised Mr Williams for starting a sports shop and training centre in Bilston after retiring from football and for raising £100,000 for the Alzheimers Society in memory of late wife Evelyn.