Let's hail Wolverhampton's finest sons and daughters

Liam Payne, Steve Bull and Bert Williams are among the award winners at this year's Wolverhampton Famous Sons & Daughters awards.

Set up two years ago, the event was created to help remind people of the talent that has come out of Wolverhampton – while celebrating the fact that while they may be successful superstars, they have never forgotten their roots.

A ceremony will be staged on October 10 at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and has been driven by Wolverhampton business organisation Partners in Progress, with support from Wolverhampton City Council, Wolverhampton University and the Express & Star. This year's list of winners includes Wolverhampton-born One Direction star Liam Payne.

The 20-year-old heart throb, from Bushbury, is one fifth of the biggest selling boyband in recent years, with a string of hit singles and albums under his belt.

But the singer often returns to his home town to catch up with family and has even been spotted visiting the Grand Theatre and Pizza Hut at Bentley Bridge.

Sadly, a work commitment in New Zealand stops him from being at the ceremony himself. Wolves legend Steve Bull will also be honoured for his contribution to football.

Bully enjoyed plenty of success during his 13-year spell with Wolves, now having a stand named after him to mark his achievements, and has gone on to raise thousands for charity since hanging up his boots.

Lead guitarist of Slade Dave Hill will be awarded a gong for his contribution to media, arts and entertainment. He moved to Penn at a young age. Denise Lewis is one of Wolverhampton's best-known sporting stars.The heptathlete bagged gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She is among the list of personalities set to get an award. Fellow athlete Kristian Thomas has also been awarded with a gong.

He is being recognised for his contribution to British athletics. He hit the headlines after winning a bronze medal in gymnastics at the London 2012 Olympics.

Former England goalkeeper Bert Williams is also on the list of winners. The 92-year-old, who was nicknamed 'The Cat' during his playing days, is one of the best-loved Wolves players and even has a leisure centre named after him.

Bradley-born Lord Dennis Turner, Baron Bilston, is being recognised for his outstanding contribution to the city.He served as an MP from 1987 to 2005.

Organisers said the awards are a chance to promote Wolverhampton.

Graham Evans, chairman of Partners in Progress, added: "Partner's main aim has always been to promote a positive image of Wolverhampton and what better way than to highlight and celebrate the city's finest. All the winners have excelled in their particular field and have shown their pride in their roots by being ambassadors for Wolverhampton."

Viv Birch, promotions manager at the Express & Star, said: "This year's winners represent a diversity of ages and achievements. Some are celebrating a high-profile career lasting decades, others are at the start of what looks to be an exciting life ahead. It promises to be a wonderful evening when the people of Wolverhampton publicly acknowledge the contributions made by these outstanding individuals."

The black-tie event will be hosted by Richard Dodd from Signal 107, along with Hugh Porter and the Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Milkinder Jaspal.

Mr Porter is a former winner of the awards, along with Beverley Knight, Sir Jack Hayward and Sir Geoff Hampton.

A host of organisatons have already reserved tables but some are still available at £500 for 10 people while individual tickets cost £50. It includes a drinks reception at Molineux before dinner. To book a table, call Chris Bywater or Isobel Bennett at First City on 01902 710999.