New statues of 'local heroes' Sir Lenny Henry and Ellie Simmonds unveiled
Residents were asked to nominate people who they thought had made a positive impact to the communities.
Last updated 1st Feb 2023
Sculptures of three local heroes have been unveiled today in Ocelot Park, as part of a in recognition of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year.
The statues are of Dudley-born comedian Sir Lenny Henry, former Paralympian Swimmer Ellie Simmonds from Walsall, and Birmingham-bred former British Olympic hockey player Jane Sixsmith.
They've been installed by walking and cycling charity Sustrans, along with portrait benches on National Walking and Cycling routes.
The charity asked residents to vote for people who have made a positive impact in the communities to become these sculptures, alongside portrait benches.
The West Midlands isn't the only place to have sculptures revealed but the initiative took place all over the country.
Funding from the Department for Transport, enable the new series of steel figures to be installed across some of the most popular cycle paths in England.
Speaking at the unveiling, Sir Lenny Henry said: "I was very moved when I arrived, but it's very weird because you don't know if these things are going to work.
"They're going to make a statue and it's going to be flat and look like me. Even when I saw the pictures I said that's not going to work and I've turned up and it does work.
"It's so bizarre, they've literally got my cheeks, it looks like me.
"I'm really chuffed to be nominated as a local hero."
Jane Sixsmith was also at the reveal and said: "It's a real privilege and an honour, and it's very strange because when you see it on paper it does look like me, but you think how is it really going to resemble me.
"I think they've done a really good job, and you know I've been a Birmingham girl all my life, so to be recognised and appreciated by the local residents is probably even greater."
The sculptures have been created by artists Katy and Nick Hallett.