Three decades of contribution to the music industry has earned glam rock legends Slade an honorary university award.

The Black Country group, best known for their 70s hits such as Merry Xmas Everybody, were presented with a fellowship of the University of Wolverhampton on Monday.

Slade topped the Christmas charts in 1973

The award, from the School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure, was presented at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre.

Between 1971 and 1976, the band notched up 17 consecutive top 20 hits.

A spokesman for the university said: "Slade's phenomenal success spans 30 years and has seen the band's four members leave an indelible mark on the world of popular music.

"Their distinct brand of unpretentious, loud, gravelly vocals and boot-stomping beats, combined with a fun-loving outlook to their material and performances, brought many hits."

Lead singer Noddy Holder, from Walsall, is now a popular broadcaster and actor and well-known for his role in the TV-hit The Grimleys.

Two years ago he collected an MBE in recognition of his services to music.

Meanwhile bassist Jim Lea, from Wolverhampton, drummer Don Powell, from Bilston, and guitarist Dave Hill, from Devon, are all still involved in the music industry.