UK success in two world championship bids

The 2008 World Short Course Swimming Championships will take place in Manchester, while Fort William in Scotland will host the Mountain Bike World Championships in 2007.

In succeeding with its bid, Manchester will become the first UK city to host a world championship swimming event.

John Scott, International Director of UK Sport, welcomed the news as "further evidence of the international community's confidence in the UK as a host of major sporting events."

Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester is absolutely delighted to host this event, a first for the UK.

"The swim championships will be a great spectator event and a wonderful opportunity to showcase Manchester on the world stage."

More than 600 swimmers from 90 countries are expected to attend the championships, which will generate more than £1m in ticket sales and sponsorship.

The Mountain Bike World Championships are the most prestigious annual event in the sport, and will be the last major international competition before the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Frank McAveety, Minister for Tourism, Media and Sport in the Scottish Parliament, said: "This is terrific news for the Highlands and for Scotland.

"The economic and tourism benefits to the area cannot be over-estimated, and this event fits well with our aim of making Scotland a major events destination."

It is anticipated that more than 40,000 spectators will attend, with a direct economic beneift to the Fort William area in excess of £2m.

Swimming and mountain biking are both Olympic sports and will feature in the 2012 Games.

11 October 2004