Lenny Henry will return home to Dudley in October to officially receive the honour of Freedom of the Borough.

Dudley Council approved plans to make the comedian, actor and television star a borough freeman back in February.

And today it has been confirmed Lenny will return to the borough on October 9 to receive the Freedom of the Borough scroll at Dudley Town Hall.

In the past, the Freedom has only been awarded to long serving councillors and the military.

But now Lenny, one of Dudley’s most famous faces, will receive the honour in recognition of his services to entertainment and also in recognition of his contribution to global fundraising.

Councillor David Sparks, leader of the council, said:

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming Lenny back home to receive this well earned honour. The council wanted to recognise Lenny’s services to entertainment and also recognise his contribution charity and the Freedom of the Borough is a fitting honour.”

Councillor Alan Finch, Mayor of Dudley, said:

“Lenny has been a star of television for decades and has helped put Dudley on the map. We are looking forward to honouring him for his achievements when he returns home in October.”

Lenny Henry CBE said:

"I am deeply humbled and honoured to be receiving the freedom of the borough of Dudley. I know in my heart of hearts that if my parents were alive they would be a little bit puzzled but also incredibly proud of this achievement - Thank you very much indeed."

In addition to his work as a comedian, actor and writer, Lenny Henry has also helped raise over £800 million pounds for charity over the last 27 years by being one of the founders of Comic Relief in 1985.

The honour follows on from the CBE he received from the Queen in 1999.