Comic Lenny Henry is one of Dudley's most famous sons

The unpaid one-year role will involve helping to promote all the cultural highlights on offer in the borough, including music events and public art.

A spokeswoman said people of all ages could apply, adding: "We're hoping to find somebody we don't know already."

The winning candidate will be crowned in a special ceremony in November.

Dudley 'diverse'

Jan Jennings told BBC News that culture meant different things to different people.

She said that for some it was real ale, faggots and peas, while to others culture involved glassware, geological heritage or nature reserves.

She explained that the king or queen would be an "ambassador" who would work alongside the cabinet member for culture, Councillor Charles Fraser Macnamara.

"Culture's not just about opera and art but sport, food, parks and heritage," Mr Macnamara said.

Robert Plant's schooldays

"We're really keen to hear what people in the borough do in their leisure time, whether they visit a library, go to one of our museums, attend an event like the glass or fossil festival or are part of a faith group or sports club.

"Dudley is so diverse, there's something for everyone and I'm hoping that we'll uncover some pockets of interest we never even knew existed."

The area can boast several figures of cultural significance, including comics Lenny Henry, Josie Lawrence and Norman Pace.