A bid has been launched to bring the World Figure Skating Championships to Glasgow for the first time.

A decision by the International Skating Union is expected to be made after the organisation's congress taking place in June.

The event, described as the biggest and most prestigious annual skating event in the world, would be held in the Hydro in 2017.

The bid has been made by the National Ice Skating Association (NISA) in partnership with the city council, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, EventScotland and UK Sport.

Nick Sellwood, chief executive of NISA, said: The ISU World Figure Skating Championships were last held in the UK in 1995 in Birmingham so it would be fantastic to bring this prestigious championship to Glasgow.

"It is one of the largest annual ice skating events in the world attracting more than 170 skaters from almost 40 countries in a superb showcase of figure skating."

If the bid is successful, the Hydro would provide all the athlete accommodation, training and competition rinks on one site.

Council leader Gordon Matheson said: "Glasgow is committed to delivering the best ever World Figure Skating Championships and we would be delighted to welcome competitors and spectators to the city in 2017."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk