Ozzy army descends on Mardi Gras parade

Ozzy Osbourne has been honoured at this year's Mardi Gras in New Orleans, with more than 200 people parading through the streets dressed as the Prince of Darkness.

The Black Sabbath frontman, who died last July just weeks after his final concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, was being celebrated as part of an annual tradition honouring rock stars who have passed away in the previous 12 months.

Stephen Rea, a friend of Osbourne's for more than 40 years, was among those taking part.

Ahead of the event, he told BBC Radio WM that 225 people would march in matching Ozzy costumes, complete with wigs, blue glasses and crosses.

"There was only ever going to be one choice this year," he said. "The greatest rock singer the world's ever seen."

The tribute is part of a week of parades that draws hundreds of thousands of people from around the world to the streets of New Orleans.

Mardi Gras, which translates as Fat Tuesday, features floats, marching bands and dance crews across several days of free parades.

Rea said the marchers danced and sang as they progressed through the streets, adding members of the Osbourne family had travelled from England to watch.

"I would love to get everybody across for Ozzy's celebration in July in Birmingham," he said.

"With the one-year anniversary, I think there are plans for that."

It tells the story of their friendship, loyalty and what he describes as wild times.