Sunderland Football Club and the city council have teamed up to bid for the right to hold group stage games at the Stadium of Light if England is chosen to host the 2018 tournament.

Football Association assessors have been on Wearside this week to run the rule over a bid that will involve partners from across the region.
Their visit went well – but the bid's success hinges on proving that the campaign has the backing of the North East public.

And it couldn't be easier to do. You can sign up online to pledge your support.

But if you prefer to sign up the old-fashioned way, books will be available from Monday at libraries across the city for you to add your signature.

The finished petitions will be collected up and presented to the FA.

Books will be available at the following times, weeks beginning:
Monday, July 20 and 27: Bunny Hill Centre and Doxford Park.
Monday, August 3: Fence Houses and Fulwell.
Monday, August 10 and 17: Houghton and Fulwell.
Monday, August 24: Houghton and Kayll Road.
Monday, August 31, and Monday, September 7: Sandhill Centre and Kayll Road.
Monday, September 14 and 21: Washington Millennium Centre and Easington Lane.
Monday, September 28: Washington Green and Hendon.
Monday, October 5: Washington Town Centre and Hendon.
Monday, October 12 and 19: Washington Town Centre and Monkwearmouth.
Monday, October 26 and November 2: East Herrington and Silksworth.
Monday, November 9 and 16: Hetton Centre and Southwick.
Monday, November 23 and 30: Ryhope and Shiney Row.

One person who is backing the bid is actress Melanie Hill.

She was back on Wearside this week to give support the newly-formed Friends of St Andrew's Church and took time out to pledge her backing to the city's World Cup bid.

"I think it's a brilliant idea," she said. "Anything that gets more publicity and money into the area.

"And Sunderland is the only local team still in the Premiership."