The Millennium Commission, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Department for Education and Skills (DfES) have invited cities across the UK to bid to host the UK School Games from 2007 to 2011.

Sports minister Richard Caborn said: "It will be a chance for cities to highlight the benefits their city can bring to running big sporting events. I encourage cities to get involved and bid to host what will become the pinnacle of the school sport competitive calendar."

The school games are being funded by a combination of lottery and Exchequer money – Gordon Brown announced that £6m would be made available at the last Budget. The Millennium Commission will also be providing £1m each year.

Applicants must be a local authority, although cities may form a consortium, and are expected to have to fund around £400,000 of the event cost, which will involve around 1,200 participants.

The deadline for applications for the 2007 event is August 14, and October 16 for 2008-11. The winner for 2007 is expected to be announced at the closing ceremony in Glasgow on 10 September. Details: www.millennium.gov.uk/news