Profiles

Ideas and possible plans for the Walk of Fame have been underway for a while, but the project has now moved on to the next stage.

The first 10 names chosen for this special celebration of the city's heritage will be announced in May 2008.

The idea of creating the Walk of Fame in Coventry came from local music writer and historian Pete Chambers.

Speaking to BBC Coventry & Warwickshire about the project, Pete Chambers said: "I got the idea when visiting Sheffield, they had a Walk of legends there, so I though, why not Coventry, we have a lot to shout about, and now seems a good time to start."

To inspire nominations, the Walk of Fame Group have put together a list of suggestions - including The Specials, Jimmy Hill OBE, actor Clive Owen, and Sir Frank Whittle.

Listeners to Liz Kershaw's Breakfast Show on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire were very quick to suggest a wide range of potential nominations, including the Coventry-born singer Frank Ifield, the former Sky Blues goalkeeper Reg Matthews and the Earl of Harrington who was the owner of Coombe Abbey when the daughter of James I, Princess Elizabeth, was sent there in 1603.

Star struck in Priory Place

Chairman of the Walk of Fame Group, Pete Walters said: " This is all about celebrating our fantastic city and the many inspirational people who have contributed so much to Coventry's reputation and profile as a world-class city. I, and the group, believe we should do more of this type of celebration because we really have a strong host of potential nominees."

"We want as many local people as possible to get involved, vote for their own choice for the Walk of Fame so the final names will be representative of the city's feelings."

People can vote for by completing nomination forms, which will be available in local papers, or by filling in an online form at the Coventry City Council website.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Libraries, Councillor Tim Sawdon said that he is looking forward to reading the mix of suggestions: "We want as many people as possible to get on board and start sending their nominations in, which they can do in a variety of ways. I look forward to seeing who is put forward."

You can follow the nomination and voting process in the coming months of BBC Coventry and Warwickshire.

Visit the Coventry City Council website by clicking on the link below: