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Noddy Holder from Slade to get freedom of Walsall Noddy Holder from Slade to get freedom of Walsall
(about 3 hours later)
Former Slade star Noddy Holder is to be given the freedom of Walsall later.Former Slade star Noddy Holder is to be given the freedom of Walsall later.
Mr Holder, who was born in the Caldmore area, will receive the honour at the council house.Mr Holder, who was born in the Caldmore area, will receive the honour at the council house.
During the 1970s and early 80s, Slade had a string of hits, including Merry Xmas Everybody and Coz I Luv You.During the 1970s and early 80s, Slade had a string of hits, including Merry Xmas Everybody and Coz I Luv You.
Mr Holder said he was "really, really chuffed" with the news. "It's a great honour. I only wish my mum and dad were alive to be there. They both lived in Walsall all of their lives," he added.Mr Holder said he was "really, really chuffed" with the news. "It's a great honour. I only wish my mum and dad were alive to be there. They both lived in Walsall all of their lives," he added.
"Hopefully it can give Walsall a bigger profile around the country.""Hopefully it can give Walsall a bigger profile around the country."
'Rock legend''Rock legend'
Council leader Mike Bird said: "We're absolutely delighted and very proud that Noddy Holder has accepted this honour." He added it was a "special occasion" for the town.Council leader Mike Bird said: "We're absolutely delighted and very proud that Noddy Holder has accepted this honour." He added it was a "special occasion" for the town.
During the ceremony, which will take place in the council chamber, Mr Holder will be presented with a silver casket containing a scroll which will record his admission as an honorary freeman of the borough.During the ceremony, which will take place in the council chamber, Mr Holder will be presented with a silver casket containing a scroll which will record his admission as an honorary freeman of the borough.
Up to 300 fans will be able to watch the ceremony via a big screen in the town hall.Up to 300 fans will be able to watch the ceremony via a big screen in the town hall.
Afterwards, Mr Holder will go to the town hall to meet his fans.Afterwards, Mr Holder will go to the town hall to meet his fans.
Mr Bird added: "We are very grateful Noddy has kindly agreed to spend a few minutes in the town hall after the ceremony so fans can take pictures and get a glimpse of the rock legend.Mr Bird added: "We are very grateful Noddy has kindly agreed to spend a few minutes in the town hall after the ceremony so fans can take pictures and get a glimpse of the rock legend.
"There won't be time for individual signings or photos but fans will at least be able to see him and take photos of him with the scroll he will have been presented with.""There won't be time for individual signings or photos but fans will at least be able to see him and take photos of him with the scroll he will have been presented with."
Mr Holder, who made his singing debut aged seven on stage at Walsall Labour Working Men's Club, has said he still thinks of Walsall as "home" and regularly returns for "a decent curry".Mr Holder, who made his singing debut aged seven on stage at Walsall Labour Working Men's Club, has said he still thinks of Walsall as "home" and regularly returns for "a decent curry".
He has lived near Wilmslow, Cheshire, for more than 25 years.