City bids to be regional capital

A regional assembly referendum could be held in 2004

The city of Lancaster is bidding to become the capital of any future North West regional government.

The historic city thinks it should be chosen ahead of the likes of Manchester, Liverpool, Preston and Chester.

Lancaster and Wyre MP Hilton Dawson is leading the campaign, which was due to be launched on Friday.

Current parliamentary legislation means there could be a referendum on an elected regional body as early as spring 2004.

Towns such as Wigan, in Lancashire, and Warrington, Cheshire, have also been mentioned as possible regional capitals.

However, Mr Dawson argues Lancaster should be chosen because of its location, history and transport links.