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The Commonwealth Games will be held in Birmingham in 2022, it has been confirmed.

Louise Martin, president of the games, made the announcement at the Area Academy in the city this morning.

Birmingham was the only city bidding for the event, having emerged as Britain's candidate over Liverpool.

The games, which have an estimated budget of £750m, were last held in the UK in 2014, when they took place in Glasgow.

Birmingham is the replacement host city for Durban, South Africa, which was stripped of the event over financial problems.

The Games federation initially said the Midlands city's plans were not "fully compliant", but they have since been approved.

Ms Martin CBE said: "With its rich history, cultural diversity, youthful dynamism and ambitious spirit, Birmingham embodies all that we cherish about the Commonwealth."

Even if Birmingham was the only city to submit a bid, it has had to wait three months to have its victory confirmed.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) extended its deadline by two months to November to encourage more bids, but they did not materialise.

It is understood that the federation also had some concerns over the city's bid, particularly over the Government's pledge to finance 75% of the £750m bill and the city council's plan to raise the remainder.

Birmingham has been at the centre of a dispute about female council staff's pay and seen rubbish build up in its streets in a battle with binmen over pay, but is understood to have given assurances to the Government and the Commonwealth federation.

The city council hopes to create an athlete's village in Perry Barr, home to Alexandra Stadium, which will be expanded to host the events and ceremonies.

Victoria Square will be used for 3x3 Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball.

The only new venue in the bid is the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, set to host Swimming, Para Swimming and Diving.