SIR STANLEY Matthews has been named Stoke-on-Trent’s Citizen of the Century.
The Wizard of Dribble was awarded the title during a glittering celebration to mark 100 years since the the federation of the Six Towns. Stoke City and England football icon Sir Stan had been short-listed along with 11 other notable names from the city. The panel of judges who decided on the winner was made up of Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Ross Irving, managing editor of BBC Radio Stoke Sue Owen, Sentinel newspaper columnist Martin Tideswell, local historian Fred Hughes and vice-chancellor of Staffordshire University Christine King. Other nominees shortlisted with Sir Stan were politician Jack Ashley; footballer Gordon Banks; novelist Arnold Bennett; politician Doug Brown; ceramic industrial artist Clarice Cliff; scientist and inventor Sir Oliver Lodge; Victoria Cross holder John Baskeyfield; Spitfire inventor Reginald Mitchell; social reformer Lady Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland; darts ace Phil Taylor and pop star Robbie Williams. Sir Stan was named the winner in front of 300 people at the King’s Hall, in Stoke, in April 2010. The audience was made up of the great and the good including armed forces personnel, politicians, businessmen, charity workers and sporting stars. Our picture shows entertainer Pete Conway receiving an award on behalf of his pop superstar son Robbie. Picture courtesy The Sentinel