Tour keeps ball rolling for Bristol's 2018 World Cup bid

A giant football has been on a tour of the South West.

The green and yellow ball is promoting Bristol's bid to be a host city if the football World Cup comes to England in 2018.

On the ball are signatures of thousands of people across the South West region who are backing the bid to bring World Cup games to a newly redeveloped Ashton Gate stadium.

During the ball's trip to Weymouth and Portland, members of the Bristol bid team met a number of people who are working hard to prepare the town to be a host venue at the 2012 Olympics.

They shared tips on what they are doing to prepare for the Games, and revealed local businesses have already received a boost.

Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour in Dorset will be the venue for the Olympic and Paralympic sailing competitions. It was the first London 2012 Games venue to be finished.

The venue is a combination of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) and the adjoining commercial marina.

It has kick-started the regeneration of the former Naval Air Station at Portland, now known as Osprey Quay, where new residential, commercial and marina facilities are under way.

Ann Kenwood, Mayor of Weymouth & Portland, said: "It has made such a difference to have secured the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games here in Weymouth and Portland.

"Already more tourists are visiting, we are having more events and people are finding out what a beautiful place we have here and how good it is for sailing and other water sports, boosting our international profile.

"We have also benefited from over £400m of inward investment since London were awarded the Games. What a legacy and long may it last!"

Richard Paisley, Mayor of Portland, said: "Holding a world class event is fantastic for the people of Portland.

"It opens up the area for all types of other events and has really helped put Portland on the world map.

"On behalf of Portland Town Council and the people of Portland we fully support the Bristol bid for the FIFA Football 2018 World Cup."

John Tweed, chief executive of WPNSA, added: "We do wish Bristol every success with their bid to become a host city for the 2018 Football World Cup.

"We have witnessed first-hand what a catalyst a major event can be to the economy and to the area generally. It has also inspired a new generation to take part in sport.

"Already businesses are benefiting and we know that this will really place us on the world map."