Gibraltar will host the NatWest Island Games in 2019 after Menorca were forced to withdraw their bid.

The Island informed the International Island Games Association that they had encountered problems and would not be ready in time.

At the IIGA’s annual general meeting, which was held in Jersey during this year’s Island Games, Gibraltar asked to be considered as an alternative venue.

That has now been approved, and the Island have until September to submit their bid proposals. If Gibraltar do host the games, it will be the second time they have done so, after their first Games in 1995.

“It is the policy of the IIGA to give smaller Member Islands a chance to be the Hosts and it is good to see Gibraltar taking up the challenge,” Jorgen Pettersson, the IIGA chairman, said.

The next Island Games are due to be held in Gotland in 2017.