Famous faces take to the streets for West Bromwich arts festival

Legendary boxer William Perry, known as the Tipton Slasher, and Mary Macarthur, the country's first woman trade union leader, were carried through West Bromwich as crowds lined the street.

They were joined by puppet versions of former West Bromwich Albion footballer Cyrille Regis and Wednesbury-born abolitionist Mary Lloyd.

There was music and dancing as the procession made its way through the town.

Sandwell's arts manager Garry Morris said it had been a 'wonderful' day and a great way to end the festival.

"It was very enjoyable," he said. "Hundreds of people came out to watch and were taking photographs.

"The puppets looked great, we really did have the giants of Sandwell with us. These are the people that have put Sandwell on the map. It has been a great festival overall and we will be back next year."

The giant puppets, which were made from willow, had been created with the help of visitors to some of the borough's libraries and community centres. The parade, called Sandwell Giants Part 1, will be followed by another procession next year which will focus on present day celebrities.

The festival, which is in its fourth year, included a packed programme of performances, workshops and exhibitions taking place across Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Tipton, Wednesbury and West Bromwich.

It has been organised by Sandwell Council in partnership with arts organisations Multistory, Black Country Touring, The Public, U3A and Sandwell Third Age Arts.

Funding has come from the council, the Arts Council and sponsorship from Tesco.