UK Athletics (UKA) has confirmed that it plans to bid for the right to host the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London.

The capital has become the first city to throw its hat into the ring after the national governing body submitted a letter to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). A formal bid is due to be handed to the IAAF by 1 September, which will be followed up by an evaluation visit in October and a presentation in November before a decision is made.

UKA said that it will now work with the government, the mayor of London, UK Sport and a number of other organisations to develop the bid and bring the event to London. "The World Athletics Championships is the greatest sporting event never staged in the UK and we're committed to changing that," said UKA chair Ed Warner.

"We are a leading host for major sporting events and we have the experience and expertise to deliver a World Athletics Championships that will make the IAAF proud."