A LEGENDARY Oldbury developer and philanthropist will be made an Honorary Freeman of Sandwell next month.

Dr Roy Richardson, the first business person to be granted the honour, will receive his award at a ceremony in the Council House on December 9.

The 87-year-old has had a relationship with the borough since the age of 14 when he and his brother Don – who passed away in 2007 – joined their father in his Dudley Road business.

The premises is still in the possession of the business which is family-owned and run by Roy's three sons.

Roy said: “I am immensely proud to have been recognised in this way. Particularly to be the first businessman to receive this honour, becoming an Honorary Freeman of Sandwell which has always had a strong attachment for me.”

Successfully selling second-hand and new commercial vehicles, Roy with his brother Don built a strong business that enabled them to diversify their interests into commercial development during the 1980s.

With over a million square feet of development within the region, schemes like the Merry Hill Shopping Centre, the Fort Shopping Centre and Star City are landmark projects that carry the Richardson footprint.

Cllr Steve Eling, leader of the council, said: “Roy has changed the face of not only the Black Country but the wider West Midlands and further afield thanks to his success in the development industry. Not only is he a great businessman, he’s a real philanthropist.”

Roy acts as an ambassador and patron of the family-owned and run multi-million pound investment business with interests in a number of countries around the world which is still based in Oldbury.

Not forgetting their roots, the company also supports many charities and causes. The Richardson Brothers Foundation supports local and national causes, including Macmillan Care and Support, Guide Dogs, Alzheimer’s Society, the Save the Children Fund and many other charities and sports clubs.

Sandwell Council’s business ambassador, Cllr Bill Gavan, added: “Making Roy an Honorary Freeman recognises not only his business achievements but the significant amount he does for charity.

“He’s achieved exceptional success in the business world while making a difference to many lives through his charitable foundation.”