A NEWCASTLE transport planning consultancy has been asked to help Qatar prepare for the World Cup by ensuring its infrastructure is up to the task of coping with thousands of visitors in 2022.

iPRT is looking to recruit more staff after winning the contract to be a consultant supporting the Qatar government to host the huge sporting event for the first time.

Managing director Amer Waheed said the World Cup bidding announcement back in December was bitter sweet.

Ive lived in the North East for over 20 years and consider myself an adopted Geordie and so I was really rooting for England to host the 2018 World Cup and seeing some international matches at St James Park, he said.

I was devastated when the Russian bid won and was as surprised as everyone that Qatar were to host the 2022 competition, but I also knew that as we had contacts in the United Arab Emirates, this was also a real opportunity.

This is a huge task for Qatar and the planning needs to start now.

Despite the controversy over this bid, there is already real excitement about the World Cup in Qatar.

iPRT will be stepping up its recruitment plans to support its UK work and the upcoming work from Qatar, and most jobs will be recruited from the North East.

We have the best people on our doorstep, said Amer.