An Ozzy Osbourne superfan has appealed to Solihull councillors to back a campaign to rename Birmingham Airport after the heavy metal star. 

The Black Sabbath frontman died at the age of 76 in July. 

A petition, created by Dan Hudson, to rename the airport 'Ozzy Osbourne International' has reached nearly 70,000 signatures. 

Dan took his campaign to the latest meeting of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, where he told councillors: "Heavy metal was invented in this area by a man named Ozzy Osbourne in the late 1960s, instantly resonating around the world and having a global impact on generations upon generations of music fans.

"Ozzy died just three weeks after playing a record breaking concert at Villa Park. According to the event's music director it raised £140 million for various charities.

"I set up a petition to rename Birmingham Airport after Ozzy – overnight it went stratospheric. 

"The campaign has been covered in every corner of the globe giving our airport more international coverage than it has ever had before."

Dan Hudson petitioned Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (Image via LDRS)

Dan said renaming an airport was "not without precedent in the UK" highlighting Liverpool's John Lennon and Belfast's George Best airports.

"There have been other petitions to honour Mr Osbourne but this is by far and away the most realistic and popular," he added.

Coun Bob Sleigh, the authority's cabinet portfolio holder for resources, thanked Mr Hudson for bringing the matter to councillors. 

He read out a statement from Birmingham Airport which said: "We are currently progressing an exciting homage to Ozzy Osbourne creating a greater sense of place for Birmingham and his fans.

"We know he was an inspiration to so many in our region proving talent, hard work and commitment can take you to all corners of the world and we are committed to honouring his legacy within our terminal space."

The meeting was held at the Civic Suite on Tuesday, October 8.