The World Championships - funded by The National Lottery - are set to attract 190 players from 33 countries to Exhibition Centre Liverpool from August 12 to 18.

A limited number of early bird tickets are now available and are expected to sell out quickly.

Boccia is a Paralympic sport where the aim is to throw or roll balls closer to the target ball, the jack, than your opponent.

All boccia athletes have an impairment that affects all four of their limbs; consequently they play from wheelchairs.

It is a sport which requires strategic skill, superb muscle control and precision.

Athletes will battle it out for world titles in the English city, as well as crucially important ranking points for the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 2020.

Seeking to lead the way for hosts Britain will be David Smith, who won gold at the Rio Paralympics in 2016 in the individual BC1.

"For us as athletes, it's a huge coup that it is taking place on home turf," said Smith.

"Support from a home crowd means everything - we felt it in London 2012 and it was spectacular - and I truly believe that knowing the crowd is willing you on really can lift your performance to another level.

"This is also the first ever international boccia event outside of a Paralympics that is ticketed, so it is a big moment for the sport.

"The Championship team is being really innovative in the way it is building a brilliant, spectator-friendly event so if you have never seen international boccia before, here's your chance.

"We would really love to see as many of you - schools, clubs, individuals and families - out in force to support us."

A family-friendly sports festival showcasing the sport and the opportunities to play will run alongside the action.

Chair of Boccia UK John Dowson said: "Boccia saw sell-out crowds in London 2012 and Rio 2016.

"The sport is growing at a terrific pace internationally so we are thrilled to be hosting the BISFed 2018 World Boccia Championships.

"It's the largest event on the boccia calendar and we are gearing up to provide an unrivalled experience for both athletes and spectators."

BISFed is the international federation for boccia.

Its President David Hadfield said: "I am very excited that we are bringing international boccia to the city of Liverpool.

"The World Championships is the most important event outside the Paralympic Games, and with more countries and athletes participating than ever before, I am confident that Boccia UK and its partners will agree on a magnificent tournament."

Tickets are available here.