An Alsager man who received an MBE for his services to the local community has been further honoured - by the King of pop, none other than Robbie Williams.

The superstar sent John Grint a recorded message praising him for organising this year's annual Grand Variety Show attended by Alsager's senior citizens - the 50th one to date.

The Grand Variety Show 2025 organised by John was another huge success. (Photo: Alsager Round Table)

John, who ran a tyre and battery business in Alsager before retiring, has organised and compered the Grand Variety Show every year for the last half a century.

Last weekend's event, at Radway Social Club, was his 50th and was extra special as Robbie Williams praised him personally in a message which was played at the event.

The free event is hosted by Alsager Rotary Club and the Round Table of Alsager with help from the Ladies Circle.

"I was in real shock," said John. "I never expected anything like that to happen. It was played at the beginning and everyone was clapping and cheering when they saw Robbie's recorded message.

"It was played at the beginning and added a lovely touch to the event. It was a great evening and everyone enjoyed it."

The pop superstar said John, who has lived in Alsager all his life, was an "inspiration to him".

The crowd danced the night away. (Photo: Alsager Round Table)

The message was recorded by Robbie during his South Afrcian tour and it's not the only claim to fame that John and his daughter Julia Grint have.

John's dad's brother's grandson is none only than actor Rupert Grint who played Ron Weasley in the Harry Pottery films while his grand daughter, Victoria Hammond and great grand daughter, Delilah (7) are appearing in the 'Made in Dagenham' musical at Crewe Lyceum at we revealed here.

"I think entertaining is in our blood, " said John who still enjoys getting up on the stage in front of audiences.

Robbie Williams image by Kevin Payravi, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

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