Around 250,000 tickets for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships have gone on sale.

Described by organisers as "a global sporting event", it brings together more than 3000 athletes from 52 nations to compete in aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, rowing, triathlon and golf.

It will be the biggest multi-sport event hosted in the city since the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games

Swimmer Ross Murdoch, who won gold at the Glasgow 2014, helped launch the ticket sales on Wednesday.

He said: "I've got such great memories of competing in Glasgow - the fans really are something else and that really brings out the best in athletes.

"You always want to perform in front of passionate fans in packed venues and that is what you get when you compete in Glasgow. It is an unbelievable place to perform in.

"That is what will make the Glasgow 2018 European Championships so special."

Public health and sport minister Aileen Campbell said: "We know the passion and support shown by fans in Scotland helped to make both the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup a huge success and we want that replicated across the country next year.

"We are expecting a quarter of a million people to turn out and cheer on some of the world's top sporting talent at events across Scotland and I encourage anyone who wants to be there and experience that famous Scottish welcome to get their tickets."

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: "Glasgow 2018 will be a truly historic sporting moment as Europe's very best athletes go for gold in our magnificent sporting arenas."

The competition will run August 2 and 12 next year.