China's track and field team will set their training base in Leeds ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games, announced the city of Leeds, England on Monday.

In the first deal to be signed by any Chinese sport with any UK city ahead of the Games, the Chinese Athletic Association will base their Olympic team at Leeds Metropolitan University as they prepare for the world's biggest sporting event next year.

Under the agreement, approximately 50 athletes and officials will be based at the University as they train and acclimatise to the conditions in England shortly before the Olympics begin on 27 July 2012.

Dean of the Carnegie Faculty at Leeds Metropolitan University Gareth Davies said: "We are delighted to be working with the Chinese athletics team and are looking forward to hosting world- class athletes on our campus. It will give our students a great buzz to be training alongside Olympic hopefuls."

Sebastian Coe, chairman of the LOCOG said: "Pre-Games training camps provide essential preparation for every athlete, and Chinese competitors will enjoy world class facilities in Leeds."