Peaky Blinders, which featured prominently in the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony, is a hugely popular TV series set in the city which follows the exploits of a criminal gang in the aftermath of the First World War.

Now in its eleventh year, the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar competition celebrates those who go the extra mile to ensure tourists in England have an unforgettable visitor experience, as reported by Birmingham World.

Yogi and his colleagues worked at a host of mobile information units between March and October at key locations in the West Midlands.

Tourism chiefs at West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) explained that "Yogi" had made every one of the team’s 50,000 recorded interactions with visitors a special moment.

"He took the time to chat and get pictures whilst dressed in his custom-made Peaky Blinders attire," the WMGC said.

"Throughout his eight months as an ambassador, "Yogi" travelled from his home in Wolverhampton across the West Midlands.

"His nomination is recognition of his infectious enthusiasm, which rubbed off onto colleagues and visitors alike."

Speaking about his nomination Yogi said: "It’s a privilege for me to be considered for this honour.

"After a tough couple of years for tourism due to the pandemic, this ambassador role helped me realise that my passion is to help people.

"Whether it was directions, helping people find a place to eat, or just a smile and wave to help them on their way, I loved every second of making someone’s day.

"This was my second time working at a Commonwealth Games. 

"Being from Birmingham, as soon as it was announced that the Games were to take place in my home city, I had to be a part of it.

"Everywhere you went, the streets, squares and venues were busy and buzzing - it was brilliant to see people from around the world enjoying our region.

"If I won Tourism Superstar 2023, it would be an amazing achievement for the entire region, and another reason for celebration after having hosted the UK’s most successful Commonwealth Games."

A record 1.5 million people bought tickets for Birmingham 2022 making it the most popular Commonwealth Games ever to be hosted in the UK, while more than five million people visited Birmingham City Centre during the two-week period of the Games.

Yogi is among 10 entries shortlisted for the Tourism Superstar 2023 competition, which will be decided by a public vote, with voting open until March 20.

The winner is set to be announced on Saturday March 25 during English Tourism Week and the presentation will take place at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence ceremony in June.

Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council said: "Navnit’s shortlisting for Tourism Superstar exemplifies the outstanding work that all our teams, and in particular the Commonwealth Collective of volunteers, delivered to bring the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to life."