We ask Birmingham: What are your first thoughts when you hear the word Birmingham?

The past few years has seen a real shift in attitudes and awareness when it comes to the city of Birmingham. Today I'm here to find out from people what thoughts are conjured up after simply hearing the word "Birmingham".

Speaking to Rob in the city centre, he said: “Growth, I think. You know, I've been coming to Birmingham for many years and I've seen the city grow and grow and grow. It's become a foodie place to go, you know, a really good choice in bars and clubs.

"But I also know that that is coming to an end. You know, the problems the council's having, you know, withdrawal of money from social services, from cultural institutions. I think that sort of growth period for Birmingham might be coming to an end.”

Billy said: "Birmingham for me is proud… Grey! The people are friendly, happy. It changes as well. I haven't been back in the city for like a year and it's all changed really quickly. It's diverse as well and there's like a nice mix of people. I think that's what makes Birmingham a bit more different than any place in the UK in that sense. It's like a diversity. It's like, I don't know, don't really get it in certain parts of the country.”

Dave added: “Birmingham, good place to come, lots to do, lots of interesting museums, good theatre. For me, I'm lucky because it's only 15 minutes on the train to get here”

Jane said: "That's hard for me because I was born here but I'd forgotten all about it because I'd moved across the country. So I've come back now to show my husband a few sites and say where I was born and where I lived. Birmingham to me is, I guess it's home and it's the people.

"As soon as I came here, as soon as you arrived, it's like, are you all right? Alone? You know, anything I can do for you? That's like, oh god, yeah, that reminds me of my upbringing.

"Everybody was just so friendly and concerned and not pretentious. Brilliant. Bye.”