Walters set for home town honour

Walters has won two Baftas

Actress Julie Walters and comedian Frank Skinner are to get the freedom of their home town in the Black Country.

Sandwell Borough Council is expected to approve the move at a meeting on Tuesday, to mark its 30th birthday.

Walters, Skinner and West Bromwich Albion footballing legend Cyrille Regis would become freemen in March.

Sandwell was formed as part of a local government shake-up in 1974, and the trio would bring the total number of people who share the honour to six.

They include former Commons speaker and West Bromwich West MP Betty Boothroyd.

It is not an honour which is given out lightly Bill Thomas Leader, Sandwell Council

Council leader Bill Thomas said the three would be made honorary freeman next March.

He said: "We want to mark the anniversary as best we can.

"Sandwell has only three other freemen at the moment.

"It is not an honour which is given out lightly."

Walters was born in Smethwick and is one of British television's most popular actresses.

She also received Oscar nominations for films Educating Rita and Billy Elliot.

Skinner, raised in Oldbury, hosts The Frank Skinner Show on ITV1.