Wolverhampton Famous Sons & Daughters: Ricki Hall and Lord Paul honoured by city

Lord Paul and Mr Hall join presenter Suzi Perry, cricketer Baroness Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, cyclist Andy Tennant, former Bank of England chief Mervyn King and cricketer Vikram Solanki on the list of winners for the awards on February 25 next year.

Lord Paul, aged 84, is the founder of Caparo, the Black Country based steel company which deals primarily in the design, manufacturing and marketing of steel and niche engineering products.

Having stepped back from the business some years ago, he currently sits in the House of Lords and on the Privy Council. He is also the honorary chancellor of Wolverhampton university. He is estimated to be worth around £2 billion.

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Ricki Hall, from Codsall, is one of the most famous models in the UK, with over 100 tattoos and perhaps the most well-known beard in the country. He has worked for the likes of David Beckham, H&M, Lyle & Scott and Diesel and has starred in music videos with actor Jake Gyllenhaal. He is a massive Wolves fans and attended Codsall Community High. Past Sons and Daughter awardees include Liam Payne, Denise Lewis and Hugh Porter, the latter of which will be interviewing next year's winners on stage after they have been presented with their award. Taking place at Molineux, the 2016 awards evening will be compared by Richard Dodd, the programming manager at Signal Radio.

The event is organised by Wolverhampton Partners in Progress, incorporating representatives from the University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton council and the Express & Star, among others.

Diane Davies, deputy editor of the Express & Star, said: "The Express & Star is delighted to be involved with the Famous Sons and Daughters awards which recognise and reward some of the true ambassadors for Wolverhampton and the Black Country. There are so many talented and distinguished people from Wolverhampton who carry a torch for their home city.

"Wolverhampton is rightly proud of its famous sons and daughters whether they be sports stars like Rachael and Andy, TV celebrities such as Suzi, pop superstars such as Liam Payne last year or even the former governor of the Bank of England Lord Mervyn King. We are delighted to be able to recognise and shout about these local heroes who have helped put Wolverhampton on the map."

Businesses from around the city are being urged to buy places at the evening which includes a drinks reception, dinner and the awards ceremony. A table for 10 people costs £600 or in individual ticket £60. To book places call Chris Bywater or Isobel Bennett at First City on 01902 710999 or email chris@firstcity.co.uk.