From being a teenage helper at Dudley Zoo to achieving worldwide comedy stardom, Lenny Henry couldn't hide his surprise as he received the Freedom of Dudley, saying 'this wasn't supposed to happen to me'. The comedian and thespian, who grew up on the Buffery estate, said he was 'incredibly moved' to receive the honour from Mayor Alan Finch - and proved on top form when giving his acceptance speech at a special ceremony at the Town Hall last night. He joked he would have to change career after learning he could now drive sheep up the town's market High Street. But he also thanked the town for providing a spring for his career, picking out old club scene venues including The Town Hall and the Queen Mary Ballroom in Dudley. He said: "People always ask what Dudley did for me -- living here taught me you hard to work hard to get anywhere in life. "Three minutes on stage at the Queen Mary Ballroom would teach you that real quick, if you ain't funny someone from the Priory Estate would throw a cinder block at you." He also used his chance in front of council leaders to joke about the time spent to decide on granting him the honour. Councillors took six months after questions were raised about the criteria for the award, which is usually handed to long-serving councillors and army regiments. He said: "I heard there was a debate about the whole thing which took a bit to work out -- thanks for coming round to it eventually." And he also used the opportunity to back campaigners wanting to save the Dudley Hippodrome, which is set to be demolished under controversial council plans to regenerate the Castle Hill area. He said: "It would be fantastic if there was a theatre or an arts centre in Dudley to encourage talented people to pursue careers in acting, singing, dancing, visual arts and even comedy. I believe there is a venue which we are talking about now which we are trying to preserve." After having pictures taken of himself next to the list of Freemen of the Borough, Lenny received a formal presentation at the Town Hall before enjoying a meal with councillors, friends and family.

• published: 10 Oct 2013
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