The first step has been taken in the bid to build a multimillion-pound sports stadium in Cornwall.

Cornwall Council has drafted in a team of consultants to examine possible sites and to put together a business case for the rugby, football and entertainment events venue.

Stadium specialists, Gardner and Theobald have been appointed at a cost of £78,000 and although no precise cost for the 10,000 capacity venue has as yet been firmed up, estimates suggest the figure could be around £15 million.

Carolyn Rule, Cornwall Council's cabinet member for the Economy and Regeneration, said: "This could be a fantastic development for everyone in Cornwall. We are rightly proud of the great achievements sportsmen and women from this region have made.

"Unfortunately to reach the highest level they have had to move out of the county to do so.

"The stadium would help to retain, nurture and develop talent to achieve the highest levels.

"Cornwall deserves a stadium on a scale that matches their achievements and aspirations.

"At the moment we do not have a facility in Cornwall for major events.

"We believe that there could be great opportunities for the Council to work with sports clubs and businesses to come up with the best solution for Cornwall."

The move was welcomed by campaign group The Stadium For Cornwall Committee who have gathered around 10,000 signatures in support of a stadium.

Members recently gave councillors a presentation outlining the depth of local feeling for the venue to be built.

Peter Marks, chairman for the group, said: "The Committee would like to express their delight at the positive responses of both the councillors and the officers of Cornwall Council.

"We were pleased that our group's presentation and documentation in support of a stadium complex for Cornwall was well received and gained cross party support which we feel is imperative for the speedy realisation of our goal.

"With such commitment and leadership we feel that there is every chance of our dream soon becoming a reality."

The stadium would have an initial capacity of over 10,000 of which at least 4,500 would be seats, suitable for football and rugby. It will be designed and built so that capacity could be increased. A hotel, food and drink units and leisure facilities are included in the plans.

Gardiner and Theobald are joined by The Miller Partnership Architects, pmpgenesis and Five Lines Consulting.

The four companies have worked together previously on major projects including The Ricoh Arena in Coventry, The Liberty Stadium in Swansea, and KC Stadium in Hull

The group are expected to report their findings to councillors in the autumn.