Plans to include athletics in a new national stadium at Wembley have received the backing of Sport England.

A study by the body endorsed proposals to construct a removable platform capable of holding a running track as part of the stadium design.

"We believe the platform solution for athletics is an innovative design which is now quicker and cheaper to install and dismantle," said Sport England chief executive David Moffett.

"This study has confirmed our view that Wembley is capable of staging a major athletics event if required and that all details are coming together for the project.

"Sport England believes Wembley will be a world-class stadium for athletics as well as football and rugby league, with a world-class design."

The idea of a platform for a running track was originally rejected by Government ministers in 1999, but design changes since then have seen reductions in cost and building time.

The Government agreed on Tuesday to a further delay for Wembley as the Football Association attempt to conclude a deal to finance the �715m project.