People are being encouraged to nominate a volunteer making a positive impact in the community for special recognition.

The West Midlands Lieutenancy, supported by United by 2022, the official charity of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, has kick-started the 50forWM50 campaign.

Marking 50 years since the West Midlands county and the West Midlands Lieutenancy began, the campaign aims to "recognise, celebrate and thank volunteers who are making a real difference" in communities across the region.

 

 

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The campaign encourages recognition of volunteers of all backgrounds and ages who contribute to any of the seven local authorities: Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.

Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Sir John Crabtree OBE, said: "We were determined to mark the 50th anniversary of the West Midlands to recognise the three million residents who come together to make this such a very special place, but also to celebrate the extraordinary volunteering we witness almost every day."

Nicola Turner, CEO of United by 2022, said: "Volunteers were the standout stars of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and they made us feel proud of our place like never before.

"That spirit is still going strong."

Between March and April, members of the public are invited to submit nominations on the United by 2022 website.

From these nominations, 50 volunteers from each authority will be selected for an invitation to a special 'Big Thank You Bash' event in June.

The group will be further refined to 50, and from them, one extraordinary volunteer will be picked for their outstanding contribution.

As a token of thanks, the chosen volunteer will have a tram on the West Midlands Metro named in their honour.

Nominations for the 50forWM50 campaign are now open.

For more details, visit www.unitedby2022.com/50forwm50/.