Birmingham 2022 was the biggest and best Commonwealth Games in history, with 1.3 million people packing into sports venues across the city to watch more than 5,000 athletes performing at their peak.

Record-breaking TV and online viewing figures meant the Games reached an audience of hundreds of millions across the globe.

But last summer was about much more than medals, records and sporting excellence. The Games were a chance to welcome the world to Birmingham, and it was an opportunity the city warmly embraced.

That welcome was embodied by the incredible army of volunteers, without whom the Games simply could not have happened.

With smiles and typical Brummie good humour, they were not just the face of the city, they were its beating heart too.

If the judges agree, we propose celebrating their contribution at Pride of Birmingham, and inviting a group of representatives to receive a special award on behalf of the 14,000 volunteers.