Contracts drawn up for US visit

Officials are drawing up a draft contract which it is hoped will confirm that the US intends to make Birmingham its base for the 2012 Olympics.

The US track and field athletics team it thought to be basing itself in the city during the competition in London.

A report to Birmingham City Council proposes an official signing of the contract in the near future.

Council leader Mike Whitby said attracting such a high profile team to the city would be a major coup.

The council, alongside the US team's representatives, have been looking at possible security issues for the past 18 months.

It is hoped the team's arrival would give sporting arenas in Birmingham a boost and plans are also afoot for athletes from the Birchfield Harriers club to test themselves against the Americans .

Members of the US team could also visit schools.