Dudley’s very own version of the Olympics, an idea dreamed up by a borough councillor, has won praise from the Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The St Thomas’s Community Games has become a sporting success thanks to the work of Councillor Shaukat Ali. Mr Brown said Councillor Ali had done a great job with the event which brought together all sections of the community. Mr Brown, who wrote the foreword for the programme in the last games, recently met Councillor Ali to discuss plans for this year’s games.

Mr Brown said he was delighted to see the enthusiasm with which the event is organised and attended.

“I think Councillor Ali is doing a first class job organising these games in Dudley,” he said.

“They are an innovative and exciting project which brings together local school children, parents, community groups and businesses.

“It is a great way of bringing communities together and encouraging young people to take up sports. Good luck and best wishes to everyone involved.”

Dudley North MP Ian Austin added: “Councillor Ali deserves every congratulations for organising these games and I hope the council and the whole of our community will get behind him.

“Through celebrating the success of local people such as Ryan Bradley, Dorothy Round, and football legend Duncan Edwards, I believe that we encourage the next generation of children from our town to learn through sport, the skills they need to fulfil their potential and aspirations.”

The games have previously been attended by local sporting heroes including rising gymnastics star Ryan Bradley, who represented Britain and won a medal at the Sydney Commonwealth Games.

Councillor Ali said: “The St Thomas’s Community Games have always been a great success because they are grounded in the ethos of teamwork, determination and community spirit.

“It is through events such as these that we are able to continue to promote tolerance and understanding within our community,” he added.