Noddy Holder paid a visit to the Academy this week, and spoke about his early life growing up in Bloxwich on the Beechdale Estate, going to school at TP Riley Comprehensive and his early days in the music business.

Student Samual Barrat was "nervous but excited" by being one of the interviewers as he has been a big Slade fan since his grandad introduced him to the band.

[quote=Julia Goldsmith, producer]"After finding out that Noddy Holder attended their school it linked in so well with their Rediscover project, we thought why not ask if he would come in for an interview."[/quote]

During the interview Noddy cited "a sense of humour, loyalty and hard work" as the greatest assets of Bloxwich people and encouraged the group to hold on to the friendships they form at school. He was accompanied on the day by his school friend Mick, whom he has known for nearly 60 years.

The Rediscover project is engaging young people and the wider community to learn about the rich but often underappreciated heritage of Bloxwich. Music plays a particularly important part in the history of the area, as not just Noddy Holder but also Rob Halford, lead singer of Judas Priest, was brought up in the area.

Julia Goldsmith, producer at Catcher Media, said: “After finding out that Noddy Holder attended their school it linked in so well with their Rediscover project, we thought why not ask if he would come in for an interview, and to our absolute delight he agreed.”

Thanks to National Lottery players and the Council’s Regeneration Team, the project will be brought to life through films, books, a website and five new presentation boards located next to key Bloxwich landmarks.

To find out more about the project, visit the Catcher Media website.