'No reason why airport can't be named after Ozzy'

Fans from travelled across the world to see Osbourne's last gig

A fan who wants to rename Birmingham Airport after Ozzy Osbourne had the idea after travelling around America, where many airports are named after people, and saw it as a way to honour the Black Sabbath star.

Dan Hudson, whose petition has more than 70,000 signatures, accepted that many US airports were named after presidents, but said not all were, adding: "Significant cultural figures have managed to have airports named after them."

He said it had been done in Liverpool and Belfast for John Lennon and George Best.

Birmingham Airport said it was progressing a plan and was committed to honouring Osbourne's legacy.

Mr Hudson said US airports named after people included JFK and LaGuardia in New York, Louis Armstrong in New Orleans, Bill and Hillary Clinton in Arkansas, Ronald Reagan in Washington and George Bush in Houston.

"John Lennon is to Liverpool and George Best is to Belfast what Ozzy Osbourne is to Birmingham, so there's no reason why we can't," he said.

He claimed Birmingham was "embarrassed" of its heavy metal history "and that isn't on".

He added that Americans were proud of their heritage and would not be shy if heavy metal was from their area.

The star died weeks after his last performance, at the age of 76

Fans travelled from across the world for Osbourne's farewell gig in Birmingham, which came just weeks before his death in July at the age of 76.

Weeks later, for his funeral, fans once again came in from across the globe.

Mr Hudson said people had told him they would love to fly into Ozzy Osbourne International.

Tributes poured in for the Black Sabbath star in the summer

Mr Hudson, who gave a speech to Solihull councillors this month about his proposal, said UK music tourism was "absolutely huge" and worth £16bn last year.

"The business case is a strong one. The cultural case is a strong one. There just isn't a reason not to do it," he added.

He said the politicians responded by reading out Birmingham Airport's statement, which said: "We are currently progressing an exciting homage to Ozzy Osbourne, creating a greater sense of place for Birmingham and his fans.

"We know he was an inspiration to so many in our region proving talent, hard work and commitment can take you to all corners of the world and we are committed to honouring his legacy within our terminal space."