Gibraltar has been named as the hosts of the 2019 NatWest Island Games.

The British Overseas Territory stepped in after Menorca pulled out of hosting the event in July.

The Island Games involves small islands from around the competing in a range of sports every two years.

Jorgen Pettersson, the International Island Games Association chairman, said: “This is great news for our Association.

“I would like to thank the Gibraltar Island Games Association and HM Government of Gibraltar for showing responsibility and taking up the challenge of hosting the 2019 Games.

“I’m delighted that we are able to give one of our smaller members this opportunity.”

Jersey hosted the 2015 Island Games, which finished in July, with 2,700 athletes from 24 islands competing in 14 sports.

The Swedish island of Gotland will host the next event in 2017.