DECEMBER 20 - BRITAIN has made an application to stage the 2010 IPC World Swimming Championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield, which would be the biggest disability event to be held in his country before the 2012 Paralympics.

The World Championships is the second largest competition in disability swimming after the Paralympic Games.

Greece, Holland, France, Hungary, United States and Columbia have also expressed an interest in hosting the event.

Team GB returned from the last tournament - held in Durban earlier this month - with 24 gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze medals.

British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes believes that the staging the championships would play a vital role in the country's preparations for the London Paralympics in 2012.

"Not only will it develop our athletes, but it is also a significant opportunity to develop expertise of our staff and volunteers two years out from the Games," he said.