SOME of the biggest names in para-swimming will be going head-to-head in Glasgow.

There's less than two weeks to go until the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships with GB’s Ellie Simmonds and the USA’s Jessica Long.

And swimming fans are being urged to help raise the roof of Tollcross International Swimming Centre as world-class athletes compete for gold.

Chairman of Glasgow Life, Councillor Archie Graham, said: "Glasgow's Commonwealth Games are rightly regarded as the best ever and there is no doubt that the action and atmosphere at Tollcross International Swimming Centre were at the heart of its success.

“Tollcross has played a significant part in Glasgow’s proud sporting history and has recently undergone a £14million refurbishment ensuring we continue to attract the world’s best swimming events."

The 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships comes to Tollcross less than a year after the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and is one of the highlights in Glasgow’s Year of Sport.

Tollcross was the scene of several historic moments, including Scotland's first gold when Hannah Miley won the 400m individual medley.

More than 650 swimmers from 70 nations are set to arrive at Tollcross in the next couple of weeks.

One of the star attractions will undoubtedly be Glasgow boy and four-time European champion Andrew Mullen, who is hoping to land his first world title at the £14million Tollcross pool.

And as the clock ticks down to the first heat on 13 July, organisers are expecting sports fans and local people to again create an incredible atmosphere when the swimmers take to the water.

Mr Graham added: “The 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships is the latest in a long line of such events and will see around 650 swimmers from 70 nations go head to head in a bid to be crowned world champion.

“Tollcross was of course the scene for some of the most memorable moments during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and I am sure the IPC Swimming World Championships will be every bit as special.

“And while many of us will be roaring on our home athletes I know the competitors from overseas will be given a very warm welcome by the people of Glasgow.

"We are famous for that welcome after all.”

The 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships is one of the highlights of Glasgow's Year of Sport, which will also see the city host the World Gymnastics Championships at the SSE Hydro in October.

Other major international sporting events hosted in Glasgow this year include the sell-out Davis Cup tennis clash between GB and the USA at the £113million Emirates Arena.

Tickets for the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships are available from www.paralympic.org/glasgow-2015