The Lord Mayor has praised sporting facilities in Sheffield and is calling on the city to shout about them to secure Sheffield's 2018 FIFA World Cup bid.

The Lord Mayor Cllr Alan Law says the events he has attended since taking on the role three months ago have opened his eyes to just how diverse and prestigious Sheffield's sporting venues are.

He is now giving his backing to Sheffield's campaign to become a host city in 2018, with Hillsborough Stadium a potential venue for games, and wants the whole city to join him.

He said: "To me Sheffield is England's city of sport. Not only have we got the facilities for the sport but we have the management which is phenomenal."

Although originally from Barnsley, the Lord Mayor has supported Sheffield United for the last 40 years.

He added: "Even though I'm a United fan I am proud of both teams and everyone in Sheffield needs to get behind the bid because this is about the whole city, not just one football team.

"We have got everything in the city to host the World Cup. We have the transport systems in place; we have the hotels, the restaurants, the facilities and the management. We are world class, but we need to shout about it and show how we embrace football, diversity and contrast.

"I am immensely proud of Sheffield and how it has grown and I hope the city gets this bid by texting England to 62018, signing up at Morrisons, or registering their vote on the England2018 website as Sheffield definitely deserves it."