Bert Williams and Denise Lewis join the hall of fame

Wolves legend Bert Williams and Black Country Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis were among the newest additions to Wolverhampton's Sporting Hall of Fame.

Goalkeeping hero Bert, now aged 90, and heptathlete Denise signed the book of legends during a ceremony at Aldersley Leisure Village.

They join the likes of Wolves hero Billy Wright and cycling stars Percy Stallard and Hugh Porter to be given the honour.

Bradley-born Bert played for England in the 1950 World Cup and was known as The Cat for his spectacular reflexes. He was in the Wolves side that beat Leicester City in the 1949 FA Cup final and went on to win the First Division title three years later. He said of the latest honour on Saturday: "It's so nice that people remember. You don't realise how much pleasure you give to people through sport until you come to something like this."

Denise, whose career began at the leisure village as a member of Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club, is a former European Champion athlete and won a gold medal in the heptathlon at the Sydney Olympics. She was awarded the MBE and OBE and retired from athletics in 2005.

"It's an absolute honour to have my name up there with the others," she said. "Looking over the names makes you realise what a fantastic sporting city we are. It's especially important that we try to inspire the next generation to get involved and not just sit there watching their lives pass them by."

Richard Atwood, a Formula 1 driver from Wolverhampton, who also won the Le Mans 24 Hour Race in 1970, was inducted for his colourful career in motor racing.

Cyclist Raymond Jones, a distinguished member of Wolverhampton Wheelers' Cycling Club, who died in 1980, was honoured posthumously.

Wolverhampton Referees' Association also was added to the hall's Centenary Club list.

The Hall of Fame, established in 1999, now has more than 40 individual and 18 club or organisation members.