A delegation from the Football Association has toured Leeds as the city continues its bid to be a host city for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The seven-strong delegation were in town on Thursday and saw the very best of what Leeds - and Yorkshire - can offer as part of their nationwide tour of 15 cities bidding to be hosts.

The party visited Elland Road - where matches will be played - as well as Leeds United's Thorp Arch facilities, the John Charles Centre for Sport, Leeds Metropolitan University's Headingley Campus and the University Of Leeds' Weetwood facilities which are all candidates to be used as training facilities for countries based in the city.

It also took in potential FIFA Fan Fest sites - which will show live matches to thousands of football fans - at Roundhay Park, Woodhouse Moor and Millennium Square as well as some of the city's leading hotels and media facilities.

If the bid is successful, other towns and cities within the 11 local authorities which make up the Leeds City Region* will also be used as locations for training grounds, Fan Fest sites and team bases.

The visit followed last week's official launch of the Leeds City Region bid which was attended by footballing legends Norman Hunter, Peter Lorimer, Nigel Martyn and Gordon McQueen.

Councillor Richard Brett, leader of Leeds City Council, said: "If successful, this bid will bring a slice of world football to the Leeds City Region.

"It is an opportunity to build on the region's rich and proud sporting heritage and show the rest of the world what Yorkshire can offer.

"Yorkshire has some of the most passionate football fans in the world and we need every single one to vote for Leeds at backthebidleeds.com - and help us bring football home to Leeds."

Shaun Harvey, chief executive of Leeds United, said: "The Leeds City Region has the facilities, passion, fans and ambition to be a magnificent host city.

"The FA's delegation saw some of the best of what Yorkshire can offer including an internationally recognised football stadium, world-class training facilities and some of the best outdoor spaces in the country.

"What we need now is for everybody to show their support for this once in a lifetime opportunity and vote for Leeds at backthebidleeds.com."

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.

The bid is being prepared by Leeds City Council, Leeds United and Marketing Leeds with the help of many other organisations.

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 matches up to and including quarter final.

To vote for Leeds to be one of the host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup visit www.backthebidleeds.com