Places are available for members of the public to attend a civic memorial event celebrating the life and achievements of Cllr Darren Cooper.

Cllr Cooper was leader of Sandwell Council until his death last month, which came as a shock to colleagues and the public alike. Tributes flooded in from local residents, local councillors from all parties and MP's from around the region as well as two former Prime Ministers, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and Jeremy Corbyn.

Places at the event are limited and anyone who wishes to attend must call the Mayor’s Parlour on 0121 569 3041 to request a ticket. Admission to the event is by ticket or invitation only.

The two hour memorial is being held at West Bromwich Town Hall on Friday 22nd April from 11am and will be an opportunity to celebrate Darren and remember the huge contribution he made to Sandwell, the Black Country and the wider West Midlands.

There will be a number of people paying tribute to Darren during the event as well as music and images reflecting his life and career.

Acting Council Leader Councillor Steve Eling said: “We know there are so many people who wish to pay their respects. Darren was a man of the people, so as well as invited guests, it’s only right that members of the public have an opportunity to attend.

“We all know how enormously popular he was. We will try to accommodate everyone who wishes to attend but as space is limited it needs to be ticket only.”