Picture gallery: City status bids

The countdown is on for two north Wales towns hoping to be crowned a city to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

The honour, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne, is guaranteed to be granted to at least one Welsh town.

St Asaph and Wrexham are competing against Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Newport and Newtown.

Business leaders say awarding city status to either town in north Wales would increase investment prospects for the whole region.

However, both local communities believe they have what it takes to be elevated from a town to a city.

St Asaph has the smallest cathedral in Britain

The first bible to be translated into Welsh is on display in the cathedral

St Asaph has historical roots which date back to 560 AD

The town has been described as a city for centuries

Wrexham is the largest town in north Wales

The town also boasts the largest hospital in north Wales

Newi in Wrexham is fighting for university status