Bristol's selection as a 2018 World Cup host venue would be a city-changing project and provide a lasting legacy, according to a former rival football chairman and prominent sports lawyer.

Trevor Watkins helped rescue his beloved Bournemouth Football Club from administration in 1997 when he organised a takeover by supporters.

He was seized to do something for the good of the club and the town and has been similarly inspired by the drive of Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown.

Mr Watkins is a partner at law firm Clarke Willmott, which is advising Bristol City Football Club on its new stadium, which is currently subject to planning permission.

And the Poole-based lawyer is adamant the city needs people like Mr Lansdown to show their support for securing big events.

He said: "The striking thing dealing with Bristol City is that they have vision and particularly the chairman had a particular vision to do something important for the club and for the city.

"Although we do the strategic advice, working with a client who has a vision that goes well beyond just helping the club is very inspiring."

His staff at the Bristol office have sent out more than 1,500 emails to contacts and clients urging them to back Bristol's bid and this has been met with a very encouraging response.

"The city of Bristol has so many things already but having a focal point, a regional stadium and a World Cup host venue in one of the largest conurbations in the West Country is very important," said Mr Watkins. "And the key thing is to then ensure that others share that too.

"We've had a terrific response from the emails and people saying 'fantastic – I didn't know' and they in turn tell 10 people they know.

"It should not matter what sport you follow, what team you support, or if you follow sport at all. Something like the World Cup will change the area for the better.

"It is inspirational, it is a city-changing project. It can provide a legacy to last for years to come.

"For Bristol to have two huge clubs gets Bristol's name out there.

"The vibrancy, the passion that will come to host cities is about a community, not one club, not a part. It's about the whole city and it will be the whole city that will benefit.

"The influx of visitors will be seen throughout the whole region."

To register your support for Bristol's bid, please go to www.thisisbristol.co.uk/worldcup.