The town's MP has said it is "immensely disappointing" that Warwick has not been made a city as part of the Platinum Jubilee civic honours competition.

The Cabinet Office announced a record-breaking eight new cities this morning as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.

Warwick was one of 40 towns that applied to for city status, but a panel of experts and cabinet office ministers chose against awarding the honour to Warwickshire's county town.

"It's immensely disappointing that Warwick wasn't chosen as one of the new cities to be announced as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations," said Matt Western MP.

"Of course, Warwick is one of our oldest towns and one which is steeped in a history often interwoven with that of the British monarch.

"Of all the towns that were being considered I really thought that Warwick was the most deserving of consideration given that rich heritage."

Mr Western: 'For now, I'm proud that Warwick was even shortlisted'

Instead Bangor, Colchester, Doncaster, Douglas, Dunfermline, Milton Keynes, Stanley and Wrexham were all announced as winners.

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And the Cabinet Office said they can all expect the opening of new opportunities for people who live there.

Mr Western added: "Naturally I'd like to congratulate all those winners announced today but also remain hopeful that Warwick will be the number one choice next time.

"For now, I'm proud that Warwick was even shortlisted."

The last competition was held in 2012 and this time around Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories were allowed to apply for the first time.

There are now 76 official cities on mainland UK, with at least one in every UK nation announced today.

Culture secretary Nadine Dorries also congratulated the winners on the "huge accolade".

"This competition showcases the best of Britain and the Overseas Territories and will act as a lasting legacy of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee," she said.

(Header image via parliament.uk)

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