Legendary Birmingham Evening Mail theatre critic Fred Norris is to be made a Life Member of Birmingham Press Club in recognition of his contribution to regional journalism.

The honour will be bestowed on him at the Press Club's annual Christmas luncheon, which takes place on Friday, December 9, at Marco Pierre White's restaurant on the 25th floor rooftop restaurant at Birmingham's latest prestigious landmark building - The Cube.

Fred, now 84, originally joined the Evening Mail in 1944 as a "pencil sharpener and copy boy". After service in the RAF, he returned to Birmingham and became, amongst other things, cricket and rugby correspondent. 

Following a spell in the West Country, Fred returned to the Evening Mail in 1956, finally hanging up his notebook  (after two retirements) in 2006 after 50 years as the paper's theatre critic. Fred first reviewed shows at the Birmingham Hippodrome in the days of twice-nightly variety, interviewing greats like Lena Horne and up-and-coming comedians such as Max Bygraves and Des O'Connor.

Over the years, Fred formed friendships with many of the stars, particularly with Ken Dodd, who he describes as "an institution - much more than a comic genius." But Fred didn't just review shows - he spent time backstage and in bars interviewing stars for full-page features and news snippets.

In 1999, he had a book published to mark the centenary of the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Former Evening Mail editor Steve Dyson said: "Fred was the best all-round journalist I ever had the privilege to work with. He was theatre critic, colour writer and real story-getter - and he had a fantastic network of contacts.  He once 'owned' the corner of a Brummie pub and its coin box phone where everyone from top cops, Home Office pathologists and actors would visit to give him headlines over G&Ts (mornings) and real ale (afternoons). He'd start before 7am in the office every day to clatter out the resulting tales, but would be in his 'office' for the then opening time of 10.30am. He founded the 10.31 Club - with ties - well before my time!"

John Lamb, Press Club Chairman, commented: "Fred Norris was a very popular and well-respected journalist during his time on the Evening Mail and we hope that many former colleagues and associates will also be at the lunch."

He added: "Indeed, the Christmas lunch is always a great occasion for meeting old and new friends and this year, in a tremendous new setting, it should be extra-special."

Tickets for the meal, priced at £40 for members plus VAT (total £48) and £45 for non-members plus VAT (total £54) are available by logging on to www.pressclubtickets.co.uk Cheques made payable to Birmingham Press Club may be sent to Joyce Coakley, Birmingham Press Club, c/o Mortgage Centre (Edgbaston) Ltd., Radclyffe House, 66-68 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 8PF.  

The lunch will commence at 1pm, with a reception starting at 12 noon.

Enquiries to event organisers Adrian Kibbler on 07831 690940 or Llewela Bailey on 07721 000907.