A MP has called for Olympic competition to be held in Cornwall following the government's ambition to bring the games back to the UK.

Ben Maguire, the MP for North Cornwall, has written to Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Department for Culture Media & Sport, outlining his belief the Duchy is “exceptionally well placed” to play a role in any future bid.

He underlined that Watergate Bay would be the perfect location to stage kitesurfing competition and that North Cornwall has “world-class” surfing beaches.

Mr Maguire states Cornwall Airport Newquay would be able to provide “strong” transport connectivity for athletes, officials and visitors.

He states a regional Olympic model would allow communities across the UK to share in the economic, tourism and sporting benefits of hosting the games.

Mr Maguire wrote: “I welcome the government's ambition to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games back to the United Kingdom.

“The success of London 2012 demonstrated the immense power of the Olympic movement to inspire communities, showcase the very best of our country, and leave a lasting social and economic legacy.

“Any future bid should reflect the strengths of the whole UK, making use of existing venues and natural assets in different regions and nations rather than focusing too heavily on a single area.

“A nationwide approach would genuinely reflect the diversity, geography and sporting strengths of the whole United Kingdom.

“Cornwall is exceptionally well placed to play a role in any future bid, particularly through water sports events.

“North Cornwall is home to world-class surfing beaches, including Polzeath, while Watergate Bay offers ideal conditions for Olympic kitesurfing and other coastal disciplines.

“Watergate Bay is also located close to Cornwall Airport Newquay, providing strong transport connectivity for athletes, officials and visitors.”

Mr Maguire believes Cornwall’s Olympic pedigree should be acknowledged following several Cornish people taking part in the games in recent years, which include Sir Ben Ainslie, Dame Helen Glover, Molly Caudery, Morgan Bolding, Lola Tambling, Jacob Dawson and Chloe Brew.

He also points out that Cornwall has a track history of delivering major sporting events including the Tour of Britain cycling event in 2021.

Mr Maguire said: “Cornwall also has a proud Olympic history.

“Cornish Olympians have represented Team GB with distinction across multiple sports, including sailing legend Sir Ben Ainslie, North Cornwall's own gold medallist Morgan Bolding, and double Olympic rowing champion Helen Glover, to name just a few.

“Their achievements have inspired a generation of young athletes across the Southwest and beyond.

“A regional Olympic model would allow communities across the UK to share in the economic, tourism and sporting benefits of hosting the Games.

“Cornwall hosted The Tour of Britain which injected millions into the local economy as thousands of spectators travelled to the area to watch the action, directly extending the late summer tourist season.

“I know this is a view shared by colleagues from across Cornwall, and I hope you will support our calls for Cornwall's inclusion in any future UK Olympic and Paralympic bid.”