The town, whose most famous landmark is St Giles Church (pictured), one of the seven "wonders" of Wales, is hoping to get support for their bid from the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG).

 

Staging the Commonwealth Youth Games would bring an economic boost to the town and world media exposure, local officials hope.

 

Wrexham County Corough Council Leader Aled Roberts said: "If we get the Games we will get about 1,000-1,200 competitors coming to Wrexham with their families and we would get coverage from media around the world.

 

"The Commonwealth Games Council for Wales has supported our bid which has now gone to WAG for a decision.

 

"The Council were impressed with our infrastructure.

 

"We have a stadium, sports facilities and the Racecourse where events can be held. Liverpool and Manchester airports are nearby.

 

"It just goes to show how far Wrexham has come that we would be able to stage the Games."

 

The Commonwealth Youth Games are a mini Commonwealth Games attracting top young athletes.

 

They cover eight sports: athletics, fencing, gymnastics, hockey, tennis, squash, swimming and weightlifting.

 

The Commonwealth Games Federation discussed the idea of a Millennium Commonwealth Youth Games in 1997.

 

In 1998 the concept was agreed for the purpose of providing a Commonwealth multi-sport event for young people.

 

The inaugural Commonwealth Youth Games were held in Edinburgh in 2000.

 

Fourteen countries contested 483 medals over three days of competition.

 

A total of 733 athletes and team officials, 280 Technical Officials and around 500 volunteers participated.

 

The success of the Games in Scotland gained the support of the Commonwealth Games Federation which has pledged continued support for a Commonwealth Youth Games to be held every four years.

 

But a decision 2019 is not due to be announced until 2015, seven years away.