It's nice one Cyrille, MBE

Black Country football legend Cyrille Regis has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours list.

See also: The career of 'Smokin Joe' Cyrille Regis MBE

The former Albion, Wolves, Villa and England star, now aged 50, said today he was over the moon with the accolade.

"I am surprised and delighted at the award," he told the Express & Star.

"I know that's what everyone says but it's true. It is a good feeling to be recognised in this way," he added today.

He said he would be celebrating his moment in the spotlight with his typical modesty. "We'll have a little do here with some pals and then maybe one down in London with all the family. That's enough fuss for me," he said.

Cyrille, who now lives in Birmingham, signed as a centre forward with West Bromwich Albion in 1977 and won five England caps during his career. He also spent time with Coventry City, Aston Villa and Wolves.

Baggies' oldest fan, 89-year-old Vic Stirrup, watched as Cyrille exploded onto the scene and says he is one of the best players the team has ever seen.

"Whatever good he gets he deserves" said Vic, from Smethwick, said today.

"He was brilliant, the fans loved him at the time and they still do, he's brilliant to watch and an absolute gentleman."

Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Bob Price also paid tribute to one of the team's best stars. He said: "The thing about Cyrille is that he is an ambassador for the game. He was brilliant, an icon, and he still is.

"He will happily come and talk to fans, he'll turn on the Christmas lights and he make you feel like he's got all the time in the world for you. He's a gentleman."

Also named in the list today was Des O'Connor, who received a CBE, comedienne Victoria Wood a CBE and rugby star Lawrence D'Allaglio was made an OBE.

Dozens of local heroes were also honoured, including Khurshid Ahmed, chairman of the British Muslim Forum, who was given a CBE. Wednesbury voluntary worker Tony Salter was given an OBE and Wolverhampton lecturer in deaf studies John Hay was made an MBE.

Cyrille Regis profile:

Regis is best known for his spell at West Bromwich Albion where he scored 112 goals in 302 appearances between 1977 and 1985.

He went on to Coventry City, where he scored 62 goals in 274 games. Highlights included Coventry's 3-2 1987 FA Cup final win over much-fancied Tottenham Hotspur.

From 1991 to 1994, Regis played 54 games for Aston Villa, scoring 12 times. He then played for Wolves for a year, scoring twice.

He saw out his career at Wycombe Wanderers and Chester City, where he retired in 1996.

Regis frequently encountered racist abuse from crowds but his stunning performances meant he was seranaded with the terrace chant "Nice one, Cyrille". He also notched five full England caps.

He went on to coach at West Brom before becoming a football agent. He is involved with a number of charities, including Water Aid.

See the Express & Star for a full round-up of local figures included in the honours list

Watch Cyrille's classic WBA goal against Norwich City.