CITY bid supporters hit the streets on Saturday as part of a special roadshow.

The event, on Preston's Flag Market, aimed to raise awareness and encouragement for the town's upcoming bid to become a city.

Special City windmills and stickers were handed out, and passers-by signed special City Postcards to show their support, and the seven children chosen to be the faces of Preston's city bid also turned up at the roadshow.

Preston's mayor, councillor Alan Hackett, said: "Becoming the UK's newest city will be a great boost for the whole area, raising Preston's national and international profile.

The City Roadshow is another chance for local people to pledge their support for Preston and meet the children of the future who are the focus for Preston's City Bid Campaign."

Preston's city status bid is due to be submitted to the Home Office by Friday October 12, in time for the 2002 Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.