So here it is - Noddy is star guest

Music legend Noddy Holder has been announced as the star guest of this year's Express & Star Spotlight Awards.

See also: Vote for the Black Country legends

See also: Spotlight Awards

The Slade frontman will be handing out an award on the night, which is being held to celebrate the elite in Black Country entertainment.

The irrepressible Walsall-born star of the 70s band will then become the first entry on the Civic Hall's Wall of Fame, which is being launched to honour true home-grown talent as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations.

Civic Hall bosses said they were "delighted" the world-famous star would be appearing at the event.

Jonn Penney, Civic Hall spokesman, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Noddy will be in attendance. Noddy is the definitive Black Country entertainer.

"No-one has taken music with a real Black Country slant and put in on the international stage.

"Slade is responsible for Black Country banter finding its way to all the parts of the worked nobody else could ever have reached.

"He is the perfect guest."

The Civic Hall is celebrating its 70th birthday in May and bosses are launching the new Wall of Fame to honour some of the Black Country's stars who have put the area on the worldwide map.

Noddy, aged 61, is the latest celebrity to announce an appearance at this year's Spotlight Awards on May 4, which will also feature a performance by Strictly Come Dancing start Anton du Beke and Erin Boag.

The best in Black Country leisure and entertainment is being celebrated at the event and readers are still being urged to get their votes in to make sure the deserved winners are crowned the best in their categories.

Tickets, which cost £7, are also available from the Midland Box Office on 0870 320 7000.

By Victoria Nash