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If an idea to rename a city airport after one local hero takes off, Black Sabbath fans will be very happy.

Birmingham could be called after the band’s ­legendary frontman Ozzy Osbourne.

Council chiefs are considering following in the footsteps of ­Liverpool and Belfast airports by honouring a hometown star.

Jim Simpson, the record company boss who discovered the heavy metal band, backed the plans.

He said: “I believe it would be a masterstroke that would instantly confound the cynics.

“How does The Ozzy Osbourne International Airport resonate?

“The message says, ‘Hey world, we are proud of our own’.

"Ozzy might not always have been a paragon of virtue, but he is a genuine, flesh and blood Brummie.”

Residents in Britain’s second city are likely to support the idea.

Councillor Philip Parkin confirmed talks had taken place to honour Black Sabbath.

Asked about changing the name of Birmingham International Airport, he said: “It’s an interesting idea and I’ve got an open mind.

“I would be interested to know what people thought about it.

“We need to be making the most of the talent we have got and did have in this city.”

Liverpool’s Speke Airport was renamed John Lennon Airport to honour the Beatles star.

And Belfast airport is now called George Best Belfast City Airport after the talented local lad who went on to be one of football’s most colourful characters.

Star runways

Bob Hope Airport, Burbank, California

John Wayne Airport, Orange County

Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, Pennsylvania

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International

George Best Belfast City Airport

Leonardo da Vinci ­Fiumicino, Rome

Salzburg Airport WA Mozart