Liverpool: 'Hungry for culture title'

The title could bring about £1bn investment

Liverpool is celebrating after being shortlisted to become the cultural capital of Europe.

Secretary of State Tessa Jowell announced on Wednesday that city is one of six in the running for the title of European Capital of Culture 2008.

Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool and Newcastle/Gateshead are the other contenders whittled down from an original list of 12.

The eventual winner will be announced by the prime minister in the spring of next year.

We are hungry for this title and we must now redouble our efforts to show the judges why we should win

Mike Storey, city council leader

Sir Bob Scott, who is heading Liverpool's bid, said: "We have always believed our application is very strong and I am very pleased with the news.

"However, we must not be complacent because this where the real battle begins.

"We know we deserve to be European Capital of Culture in 2008, but we have to convince the judges that we can deliver."

Liverpool's bid has included funding for local people to take part in cultural activities, and school projects.

£1bn investment

If the city does claim the title, it is estimated it will bring about £1bn of investment and create 12,000 jobs.

Liverpool City Council leader Mike Storey said the news that the city had been shortlisted was recognition of all the hard work put into the bid.

He said: "As a city we are hungry for this title and we must now redouble our efforts to show the judges why we should win."