REDDITCH'S council leader has said he still has faith that Birmingham can get the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Birmingham was the only city to submit a bid to host the games before the deadline of September 30, but it was labelled "not fully compliant".

Now the Commonwealth Games Federation has announced that the deadline has been extended to November 30 to “enable fully compliant proposals".

Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Victoria in Canada and a potential Australian entry had been thought to be possible bidders but none came forward.

The deadline extension now means more rival bids could come in.

Redditch Council leader councillor Bill Hartnett, who said that Birmingham getting the 2022 Games would be great news for the town, said he thought the city was "almost there" but just needed a bit more time.

"I'm fairly hopeful Birmingham will still get it," he said.

"Lets hope they meet the standard."

It is hoped that if the city does win it would mean a number of possible opportunities for Redditch including a possible sporting venue somewhere in the district.

The cost of holding the games is expected to be between £600 million and £750 million, although no official figure has been given.

The Government has agreed to fund 75 per cent of the cost which could be at least £450 million.

The remaining 25 per cent of the costs, likely to be £150 million or more, will have to be paid for locally.

Birmingham City Council, business-led organisations such as Local Enterprise Partnerships, and the West Midlands Combined Authority, which Redditch is a part of (as a non-constituent member), could all contribute.

Precise costs, and the breakdown of who will pay for what, have not been published.

MPs have been given until October 31 to object to the Government's backing of Birmingham's bid.