Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Singing the praises of local boy made good

20/12/2001

HE'S an international megastar with the Pope and the Queen listed among his millions of fans but this week Irlam maestro Russell Watson put the icing on the cake when he returned to Salford to receive the mayor's Citizen Award.

The opera singer started 2001 in a blaze of glory and has gone from strength to strength with album sales and TV appearances never in short supply.

He was in Salford yesterday (Wednesday) to receive the award from mayor Cllr Jim King, which in recent months has recognised other famous sons such as artist Harold Riley, as well as big-hearted public servants like PC Bob Collier.

Russell, also known as The Voice, was nominated for the award by Irlam Cllrs Roger Jones and Joseph Kean and Cadishead Cllr Christine Hudson, who believe he has represented the city well in his visits around the world.

They say Russell 'has always spoken as a proud Salfordian while on his travels, has demonstrated strong commitment to the area by visiting places like Salford Quays and Irlam Endowed Primary School and has acted in an ambassadorial role for the city of Salford'.

Russell himself told us: "I am proud to accept this award from Salford because the city has a special place in my heart and my roots are here.

"I always speak highly of Salford because it's a place with fantastic community spirit, the people welcome you and I think it has a bright future ahead of it."