Core cities summit gets under way

Bristol is hosting a major summit of England's eight core cities this week.

Representatives from Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield are taking part.

The keynote speakers include local government secretary Ruth Kelly and Mayor of London Ken Livingstone.

The Core City Summit gives delegates a chance to exchange ideas. Economic progress and overseas competition are among the items on the agenda.

The visit will also give delegates an opportunity to see Bristol's regeneration efforts, with boat and walking tours of the historic harbourside.

The eight city councils first began working together in 1996 to set out a vision of the role they should play in national and regional life in the 21st century.

As part of the two-day event, on Monday and Tuesday decision-makers will hear the aspirations of young people from the cities with a presentation from UK Youth Parliament MPs.