Lemmy statue creator honoured at awards ceremony

The statue of Motorhead founder Lemmy stands in his hometown of Burslem

The artist behind the statue of heavy metal icon Lemmy Kilmister has been recognised at an awards ceremony.

Andy Edwards was one of three winners of the civic pride honour at Staffordshire's Your Heroes Awards 2025.

It came after his sculpture of Lemmy, who died in 2015, was unveiled in the singer's hometown of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, in May.

"It was unbelievable, I was totally taken by surprise, totally shocked. I didn't know where to put myself really," Mr Edwards told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I've got to acknowledge the kindness of all the people who put me forward. It means an incredible amount to me."

He said visitors from about 60 countries have come to see the statue since its unveiling and it was helping to bring people from different cultures together.

"Artworks can sometimes centre people and give them something in common that they feel moved by," he added.

Sculptor Andy Edwards said he was "totally shocked" by the award

Twenty-seven awards were handed out to people in recognition of their contribution to Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire during Thursday's ceremony.

Among them was Nathan Walton, from Ashley Heath, who won the charity champion of the year award having raised more than £1.5m for charity, including for hospice service provider Dougie Mac.

He told BBC Radio Stoke he was "surprised, humbled and a bit embarrassed".

"You don't do these things for the recognition," he added, "but I'm absolutely made up to win it."

Mr Walton's challenges included sleeping in a smart car for a week, taking part in the annual Strictly Knot Dancing event and running ultra-marathon across the Sahara Desert.

He said he had a high regard for the service Dougie Mac provided, particularly after they helped his mother when she became unwell three years ago.

"To see what they did only empowered me even more to carry on [with my charity work]," he added.