Birmingham Airport bosses address calls to rename hub in Ozzy Osbourne's honour

Birmingham Airport chiefs say they are "closely following" the petition to rename the flight hub "Ozzy Osbourne International".

Bosses have confirmed a permanent piece of artwork dedicated to the star will be erected at the base, which is east of the city. They described the Black Sabbath frontman as "an inspiration to so many" and recognise his "heritage and contribution to the region" must be celebrated.

But the airport, a base for the likes of easyJet, Ryanair and TUI, stopped short at verifying plans it will be renamed "Ozzy Osbourne International," a move championed by around 50,000 people so far in a petition online.

"Ozzy Osbourne is an inspiration to so many in our region, proving that talent, hard work and commitment can take you to all corners of the world. In the coming weeks, we will be looking at how we can celebrate his heritage and contribution to the region via terminal artwork, creating a greater sense of place for Birmingham and his fans," the airport spokesperson told Birmingham Live.

The star will be laid to rest in a private funeral for family and friends today, but before that, there will be a special procession through Birmingham. The cortege will befollowed by his family as it moves down Broad Street to the famous Black Sabbath bridge and bench, a tribute to the musician and his band.

READ MORE: Ozzy Osbourne Birmingham funeral procession map and how to watch online

The superfan who started the airport petition, Dan Hudson, told Birmingham Live: "Ozzy's influence on music and culture is undeniable. Naming our international airport after him would be a fitting tribute to his extraordinary career and contributions to the arts."

Dan, from nearby Solihull, continued: "Other airports in the UK are named after their famous children (George Best International Airport in Belfast, John Lennon Airport in Liverpool) so it is only right that we do this here in Birmingham, in honour of Ozzy. Together, we can celebrate the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and the incredible influence our city has had on the world stage, thanks to him."

Fans have been signing books of condolence at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and at Villa Park in Aston, the area of the city in which Ozzy grew up. The rocker died last week aged 76, following a journey with Parkinson's disease.

Ozzy co-founded rock band Black Sabbath in 1968 and is known as the godfather of heavy metal, selling 75 million albums. The self-styled Prince of Darkness pioneered the music genre with Black Sabbath before going on to have huge success in his own right.

Announcing his death last week, his family said: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love."