Blackburn has lost out in its bid to become a city to the likes of Milton Keynes and Doncaster this Platinum Jubilee year.

Towns from every part of the UK and even British Overseas Territories were in the running to be granted city status as part of a competition to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

The capital of the Falkland Islands was among eight places to win coveted city status. Stanley in the Falklands Islands is the first Overseas Territory to win the competition for city status, while Douglas, the capital of the Crown Dependency the Isle of Man, has also claimed the civic honour.

The Cabinet Office said that Bangor in Northern Ireland, along with Colchester, Doncaster and Milton Keynes in England, plus Dunfermline in Scotland and Wrexham in Wales have also won the honour.

They are some of the places that “make Britain great”, according Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay.

He said: “What was clear to me during the process of assessing each application was the pride that people felt for their communities, local cultural heritage and the Royal Family.

“As we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s colossal contribution to society, I am thrilled that we are able to recognise some of the many places that make Britain great.

“It is also incredibly reflective of Her Majesty’s global outlook and years of international service that applicants from the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies have been selected as winners for the first time.”

The new cities can expect a boost to local communities and open up new opportunities for people who live there, according to the Cabinet Office.

Blackburn submitted its bid to be made a city in December, going up against 38 other towns hoping to be elevated to city in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year.

Applicants were asked to talk about the distinct identity and community which they feel means their area deserves to become a city, as well as evidence of links to royalty.

Other towns which lost out in the process include Crewe, Reading, Middlebrough, Warwick, and the home of golf St Andrews in Scotland.