Delegates from England 2018 were in Yorkshire's unofficial capital yesterday to check out its suitability as a venue for World Cup matches.

Set up by the Football Association, England 2018 is spearheading the country's bid to host the global football extravaganza in nine years' time.

And civic leaders are confident the delegates went away impressed after a day when even Mother Nature smiled on Leeds's World Cup dream.

Heavy rain had been forecast but instead the VIP guests were greeted by sunshine and blue skies as a mini festival of football was held for their benefit in Millennium Square.

Fun attractions included a match involving mascots from several local clubs, including Leeds United's Lucas the Kop Cat.

The delegates were also given a presentation in Leeds City Museum, which is currently playing host to acclaimed football exhibition A Game of Two Halves.

Afterwards they toured locations such as Garforth Town's Genix Healthcare ground, which could be used as a training facility for teams based in the city in 2018.

The itinerary also included a visit to Roundhay Park, earmarked as a potential 'fan fest' site where live games would be shown on giant TV screens during the tournament.

Leeds City Council's joint leader, Coun Andrew Carter, said: "Hosting World Cup games attracts massive investment in terms of jobs and tourist spending.

"People would think we were mad if we weren't very, very serious about getting involved."

Leeds United legend Eddie Gray said: "This is a vibrant, welcoming city - bringing the World Cup here would be fantastic."

Leeds is among more than a dozen English cities competing for the right to stage matches in 2018.

The bid is being led by the city council, Marketing Leeds and Leeds United.

If the World Cup ends up coming to Leeds, games would be played at United's Elland Road ground.

The FA is due to announce in December which cities will be included in England's formal bid to stage the 2018 tournament.

World soccer's governing body, Fifa, will reveal its chosen host country 12 months later.

To register your support for Leeds, visit the www.backthebidleeds.com website.