West Ham United Football Club and Newham Council's bid to take over London's Olympic Stadium has received the official support of UK Athletics (UKA).

The national governing body announced the Premier League club as the sport's preferred bidder for the venue, which it said provides "the strongest opportunity for a vibrant sporting legacy". West Ham United and Newham Council is proposing to retain most of the Olympic Stadium structure to provide a seating capacity of up to 60,000, with accommodation for both football and athletics.

UKA chair Ed Warner said: "What has impressed me so much about the joint bid from West Ham and Newham is their clear commitment to the spirit of the Olympic legacy and not just athletics at the elite end, but with the retention of the community track, our future champions and club runners too. "The team at West Ham have also been keen to support our bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2015 at the stadium, fully understanding that a significant international event will play a major part in realising their ambition of a British sporting hub."

Image: Image: ODA/David Poultney