Community champion Tracey prepares to take part in Commonwealth Games ceremonies

Good luck to community champion Tracey Collins from our Small Heath store who's gearing up to help at the opening and closing ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Tracey, who's worked at the store for 21 years, says she can't wait for the games to begin. She said: "It really will be a once-in-lifetime experience. The whole event is just so good for Birmingham and the West Midlands. Everyone will be looking at us."

She will be acting at a track marshal at the Alexander Stadium where she will be parading and marching and generally getting the crowd on their feet and clapping at the opening ceremony this Thursday and at the closing ceremony on August 8.

Tracey, who is hard of hearing, volunteered to help at the games through the Music In Motion charity which she founded in 1996.

The group raises awareness and translates songs into sign language and performs in care homes and schools.

She said: "The Commonwealth Games wanted groups to volunteer so four of us put our names down and were accepted.

"As a track marshal we have to do some dancing and clapping to encourage the crowd to get involved. I'll be on the track when the athletes walk around the track. I'm really looking forward to it. It will be a brilliant atmosphere.

"With work I do all sorts of amazing things to support the community and in my free time I do lots more. We started rehearsals for the Commonwealth Games at a secret location some time ago. It was all hush hush at first but now the organisers want us to shout it from the rooftops."