England’s second city is bidding to host the Commonwealth Games following a regional daily campaign.

The Birmingham Mail began pushing for a bid for the 2026 Games earlier this year, and now city bosss have finalised the move.

Also considering bids for the Games are Liverpool, Edmonton, in Canada, Auckland, in New Zealand, and Port Moresby, in Papua New Guinea.

Birmingham’s bid was revealed on the front page of Friday’s Mail, pictured below.

Editor Marc Reeeves said: “The Birmingham Mail started pushing for a bid for the Games earlier this year, because we wanted to help local leaders set out an ambitious vision for a city that in ten years will be coming out of austerity and preparing to open the HS2 link to London.

“We know from Glasgow’s experience what a transformational impact a successful Games can have, and with a population drawn from more than 70 Commonwealth countries, Birmingham is surely the event’s natural home.

“The Birmingham Mail has once again set the agenda for the city, and will play its full part in ensuring the city wins this bid.”

Venues which could be used should Birmingham’s bid be successful include Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Villa Park and the National Exhibition Centre.