By Imran Asghar

The Pakistan hockey team are to travel to Staffordshire in July to prepare for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The Pakistan Hockey Federation has selected Cannock Hockey Club as its final training base to get ready for the the event.

Pakistan has been drawn in a tough group that also includes the hosts, GB, for the preliminary round of the Olympic hockey tournament.

Councillor Pat Corfield, cabinet member for culture, communities and customers at Staffordshire County Council, said: "We're very proud to attract a top ten nation to use the excellent sporting facilities here in Staffordshire.

"We extended a warm welcome to the Pakistani team during a previous visit in 2009, and the combination of our hospitality and top-drawer facilities has encouraged them to return." she added.