DAY OUR OZZY CAME HOME...

THE chants of "Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy" rang out through the crowded streets as thousands of loyal fans watched their rock hero's final performance.

- ADAM ASPINALL and MIA O'HARE

Birmingham came to a standstill to say goodbye to The Prince of Darkness who had done so much to shine a light on the city during a glittering and hellraising career.

Ozzy Osbourne's farewell procession yesterday marked both a day of mourning and celebration for the heavy metal legend, who died at the age of 76 last Tuesday.

His tearful family - wife Sharon, 72, and children Aimee, 41, Kelly, 40, and 39-year-old Jack - all raised their hands in a peace sign while paying their respects at the Black Sabbath Bench, where tributes had piled up for the singer.

The gesture mimicked the sign Ozzy made at gigs, once announcing: "We were the last hippie band. We were into peace." Each family member carried a pink flower wrapped in black paper which they laid on top of the other floral tributes, next to a poster of the star that read: "Birmingham will always love you." Sharon had Ozzy's wedding ring on her necklace as she greeted the crowds.

His son Louis from his first marriage to Thelma Riley was also there.

People flocked from across Britain to witness the procession. But it was Brummies who had a chance to bask in their pride and toast the local working-class lad who was propelled into global stardom.