Stoke celebrates Robbie's 40th Birthday

The UK's top Robbie Williams tribute singer Paul Reason has recorded a special 'Happy Birthday' message to the That That star in honour of his 40th birthday.

Mr Reason won the National Tribute Award last year and recorded the special video for ITV News Central as Robbie's home city of Stoke-on-Trent holds a week-long celebration for the star's landmark birthday.

Pete Conway, Robbie Williams' dad, talks about how his famous son feels now he is 40-years-old.

Children at Belgrave St Bartholomew's Academy, at Longton in Stoke-on-Trent, sing Robbie Williams 'Happy Birthday' to mark the star's 40th year.

Staff and pupils alike dressed as pop-stars for the day at the Staffordshire primary school.

People in Stoke-on-Trent are today celebrating 'Robbie Day' as part of a week-long programme of activities in honour of the Take That singer's 40th birthday.

Schools across the city are holding a day of Robbie Williams-themed activities to mark the occasion, including singing and dressing up.

Other activities have included a street market, funfair, pottery-themed competitions and a photo exhibition featuring exclusive images of the star have all been held over the past few days.

A special blue plaque was also unveiled to mark Robbie's time living in Victoria Park Road during the 70s.

Read: Robbie pays tribute to 'Stokie' upbringing

Music, markets and a street party will be held in Stoke-on-Trent this weekend as part of a packed programme of activities to celebrate the birthday of popstar Robbie Williams.

Stalls selling handmade crafts, a children’s funfair, music by local bands and competitions will fill Queen Street, Burslem, today.

Middleport potteries company Steelite will provide ceramic plates and Royal Crown Derby will provide paperweights, which will be used in a decorating competition.

A baking contest will also see schools from around the area pit their skills against one another in a bake-off.

Meanwhile, an exhibition entitled Robbie Thru a Lens will be on show at The Venue (The Old Post Office).

An exhibition honouring Robbie Williams will be launched tonight in his home city of Stoke. As part of next week's celebrations to mark his fortieth birthday,

Portrait of a Potteries Pop Star will show a number of never-before-seen photos and some of his many awards.

Chart-topping singer Robbie Williams has paid tribute to his hometown of Stoke-on-Trent - and revealed his daughter is turning into a real 'Stokie'.

In a message read out at today's ceremony marking his 40th birthday, the Take That star said he hoped to visit a blue plaque unveiled in his honour today soon - and said he fully expected to have a tear of pride in his eye.

His message in full, read out by his father Pete Conway, is as follows:

There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child.

This particular village moulded me into the man I am today.

I wear where I am from as a badge of honour. So to have that honour returned to me is very special.

As soon as I can I will be there with my daughter having our picture taken next to it – and she won’t know why daddy will have a tear in his eye, but it will be a tear of pride.

I’m proud of our six towns. I’m proud to come from Stoke-on-Trent. I’m extremely honoured and grateful that you think it fitting to give me this recognition.

God bless you all.

PS: My daughter’s first word was mummy and her second was DUCK! She’s a Stokie!

A special blue plaque marking Take That star Robbie Williams' 40th birthday has been unveiled in his home town of Stoke-on-Trent today.

The singer lived on Victoria Park Road in the city in the early 70s.

A series of celebratory events, some of which include his parents, has been organised for the coming days.

Read: Ceremony to celebrate Robbie Williams's 40th birthday

A blue plaque is being unveiled in Stoke-on-Trent to mark the start of celebrations for hometown hero Robbie Williams's 40th birthday.

The ceremony is part of a number of celebrations to mark the singer's birthday - which is on 13 February.

'Robbie Day' will be celebrated at schools across the city, with musical and art-based activities taking place.