GLASGOW is to host the World Irish Dancing Championships for the fifth time.

The 'Worlds' - the largest and most renowned Irish dancing contest, which has run for more than 40 years - will return to Glasgow in 2018 after the city fought off stiff competition from Belfast, Dublin and Killarney to secure the coveted event.

More than 14,500 dancers and supporters will travel to Glasgow in March 2018 for the event, which will boost the city's economy by £14 million.

Glasgow was the first city to stage the Worlds outside Ireland in 2002 before hosting it again in 2007 and 2010 and the city will host the championships again in 2016.

More than 4500 competitors, aged from eight to 30, will come for the championships from across the world, including Ireland, France, Russia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Australia, Canada and the USA.

A further 10,000 spectators, comprising teachers, family and supporters are expected to make the trip.

Gordon Matheson, council leader and Chairman of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau CBE, said: "We are delighted to have won the coveted 2018 World Irish Dancing Championships. The Worlds are a globally admired and historic aspect of Irish culture so it is fantastic news that they are coming back to Glasgow, their second home, in 2018.

"The fact that the organisers have chosen Glasgow for a fifth time is a strong vote of confidence in the efforts the city has made to make past events such a success. With thousands of people expected to come and soak up the colourful atmosphere, the Championships will be an unmissable celebration of music and dance and bring a significant boost to the city's economy.

"We look forward to extending a warm welcome to all those who will compete in or attend the championships when they return to Glasgow and to working with An Coimisiún to ensure we deliver another world-class event."

James McCutcheon, Company Secretary of An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, said: "We are delighted that World Irish dancing has chosen to return again to Glasgow in 2018.

"The experience and welcome that all of our attendees receive is second to none.

"Once again the best dancers from all over the world will compete in one of the best venues in the world. People certainly do make Glasgow and we hope that our visitors will make Glasgow even greater."