IT'S OFFICIAL -- Preston is a city. The good news was announced following a £30,000 bid in August last year, the town's second attempt.

Preston beat local rivals, Blackburn, Warrington, Bolton and Blackpool to the prestigious accolade.

The town's mayor, Councillor Alan Hackett, said the news was a wonderful achievement for Preston and richly deserved.

"We're absolutely delighted," said Coun Hackett. "This is a real boost for the whole area as it really puts Preston on the international map and will help to attract further investment and jobs.

"The whole community of Preston can be rightfully proud and we can all cherish becoming the City of Preston. Thanks to those who prepared and supported the bid."

To become a city, Preston had to prove it was an economically expanding town, with a fine historic heritage.

As home to one of the fastest growing universities in the country, the headquarters of Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Constabulary, as well as having a First Division football team, Preston proved it had what it takes.

And the celebrations cut across all the council's political divide with the leaders of the three main parties coming together to cheer the victory of England's latest city.

Labour councillor Ian Hall, the leader of the borough council, said: "The people of Preston can celebrate this success and look forward to an exciting future - with the multi-million pound city centre redevelopment scheme and other regeneration projects all now taking shape.

"These really are exciting times for the City of Preston."As England's newest city, Preston can harness its full potential and attract further investment and jobs."

Councillor Ken Hudson, Conservative group leader, added: "Preston can now go from strength to strength with local people proud of their city with its high flying football team, development, shopping and communications potential."

And Councillor Bill Chadwick, Liberal Democrat Group Leader, said: "Preston's rich history achieves another significant milestone with this wonderful announcement today. Preston has truly come of age and I know that local people will celebrate in style, launching the new City for the future with all the best features and traditions of Proud Preston."

The town's MP Mark Hendrick reiterated their tributes: "I am absolutely delighted that Preston has been selected for city status," he said.

"It is an excellent town, with excellent people, diverse industry, a brilliant university, excellent architecture and fully deserves to be a city.

"The town has always been known as proud Preston and now Preston can be than ever.

"I think it is a huge boost to the town, it will raise the profile of the town not just in the North West but in the country as a whole, and will bring more prosperity to the area and prepare it for the rest of the 21st century that lies ahead."

Preston Strategic Partnership -- the driving force behind the bid -- including Preston Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, the University, Chamber of Trade, local Health Authorities and the Council for Voluntary Service and Police was established to push the bid forward.

Besides raising the town's profile internationally it will also be a huge boost to trade.

Three other town's across the United Kingdom have also been given the honour - Stirling, in Scotland, Newport, in Wales and Lisburn and Newry, in Northern Ireland.