The Leeds City Region is set to officially launch its bid to become a World Cup host city for either 2018 or 2022.

Leeds is one of 15 cities across the country which have declared an interest in hosting World Cup fixtures in nine years time if the overall England bid is successful.

City Council leaders and dignitaries from the City Region will be joined by a number of City Ambassadors who have connections with both Leeds United and have represented their respective countries in the World Cup.

Norman Hunter, Peter Lorimer, Nigel Martyn, Gordon McQueen and Rui Marques will all be on hand to oversee the official launch of Leeds' bid to be a host city for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Norman Hunter, who was a member of the 1966 World Cup winning squad, said: "The Leeds City Region is a great sporting area and I'm delighted and honoured to be backing bid.

"It would be terrific for the area if we can bring the World Cup to Leeds."

If Leeds secures host city status, games would be played at Elland Road.

It's proposed that improvements would be made to the stadium so it would be capable hosting group, 'round-of-16-matches' and potentially a quarter final.

But - reflecting on the wealth of sporting heritage that also exists elsewhere in Yorkshire - towns and cities which make up the wider Leeds City Region would be used as locations for training grounds and 'Fan Fests' where supporters can gather and watch matches on big screens.

Leeds City Council has joined forces with Leeds United and Marketing Leeds to work on the bid process, but many other organisations are lending their support.

Councillor Richard Brett, council leader said: "We're really excited about the prospect of bringing even a slice of the World Cup to Leeds.

"Aside from the economic benefits and the global coverage our city would get, it would be an honour to stage such a prestigious sporting event here."

Councillor Andrew Carter, deputy council leader said: "Yorkshire is renowned for its sporting heritage and it's something we're passionate about here.

"We're also pretty amazing when it comes to hospitality and it would be a pleasure to welcome so many people to our part of the world."