FA weigh up Argyle World Cup bid

Plymouth is one of at least 16 cities bidding to host World Cup matches

Members of the Football Association are in Plymouth to assess the city's bid to be a host venue for the 2018 World Cup.

Plymouth Argyle is leading a consortium bid for Plymouth to become a host city, should England be chosen to host the tournament.

The FA is in charge of selecting host cities and at least 15 others are making bids.

Argyle's bid is anticipated to include proposals for a new 40,000-plus seat stadium and modern training facilities.

These would be built near Plymouth for teams competing in 2018, including sites in south Devon and Cornwall.

Consortium chairman Douglas Fletcher said: "Our bid will make the most of arguably the most beautiful part of England.

"We are taking a wholly original approach that typifies the unique spirit and character of the people here."

Plymouth's bid has to be submitted by November and the FA will give its decision on whether it is successful by January 2010.