"The atmosphere within the city centre was something I'd never witnessed before and I've lived here all my life," Ward told insidethegames.

"To see people who have lived in the city of Birmingham walking around with pride that their city can host a major multi-sport event as well as anywhere in the world, that for me is what's made hosting these Games worth it."

Ward was entrusted with the Baton used to convey the Queen's message around the 72 nations of the Commonwealth before the Games, which the city will now keep.

He said the city had welcomed more than 5 million visitors during the Commonwealth Games.

"The overwhelming majority of people in Birmingham embraced the Games and celebrated what this city was achieving because ever since then wherever I go in this city people remark to me how wonderful the Games were and how much they enjoyed being part of it," Ward claimed.

Birmingham is already set to host the 2026 European Athletics Championships, at the Alexander Stadium, and Ward insists more offers will be forthcoming

"The Games have put us on that international stage now and I am receiving invitations from around the world but also to look at other events that sporting governing bodies want to bring to the city of Birmingham," Ward revealed.

Birmingham had never hosted the Commonwealth Games before, while it was only England's third staging of the event after London 1934 and Manchester 2002.