A new exhibition paying tribute to one of Mansfield’s most famous homegrown stars opens in the town in September.

Mansfield Museum is hosting the nine-week Stardust Memories, featuring evocative memorabilia from all stages of Alvin Stardust’s 50-year pop career.

It opens on Saturday, 22nd September with a tribute concert at Mansfield Palace Theatre on the same night, featuring the Alvin Stardust band.

Performing alongside them will also be one of Stardust’s old friends, Nottinghamshire-based musician Vince Eager, who said: “I know it sounds corny, but Alvin really was one of the nicest people in showbusiness.

“He was a great pro and well respected.

“He was one of those people who no one had a bad word to say about.”

Vince remembers the days when Stardust, who was born Bernard William Jewry, was better known as his first rock and roll personna, Shane Fenton, and recalled the time when the opportunity came up to take on the Stardust mantle.

The character was originated by the co-founder of Magnet Records, Peter Shelley, who asked several other artists — including Vince — if they would be interested. Shane was the first to accept to and the rest is history.

“I couldn’t do it because of other commitments,” said Vince, who may include a Stardust number when he sings at the Palace show.

“But Shane made it his own and I don’t think any of us could have done as well as he did.”

Liz Weston, museum curator and manager, said: “Whether people knew Alvin personally, are fans, or simply like pop, we hope they will find plenty of interest in this intriguing exhibition.

“We were privileged to meet Alvin a few years back when he performed at the opening of Pop Goes Mansfield!, our exhibition about the local music scene.

“The audience loved him. He played free of charge and was one of the most open, friendly and downright grounded pop musicians you could meet.

“This sentiment and respect was reflected in the hundreds of affectionate comments in a book of condolences we placed in the museum after his death in 2014.”

Stardust Memories runs at the museum from 22nd September to 17th November. Tickets for the concert can be booked at www.mansfieldpalace.co.uk or by calling 01623 633133.