TELEVISION viewers have chosen Newcastle and Gateshead as their Capital of Culture for 2008, leaving Birmingham trailing in third place.
The result has been announced following the BBC Clash of the Cities programme yesterday.
Newcastle and Gateshead gained 52,000 votes, narrowly beating second-placed Liverpool.
However, the Government has the final say on which city will become European Capital of Culture.
Birmingham is on the shortlist of six cities. The winner will be revealed in June this year.
Nation
The honour allows the winning city to showcase its cultural wealth and represent the nation.
Competition is particularly fierce because a British city is unlikely to get another chance to win the title for another 20 years.
Former winners include Glasgow, Dublin and Prague. If Birmingham is successful, Worcestershire could benefit from the increased number of visitors to the Midlands.
"This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the area and its image," said Birmingham City Council spokesman Mik Barton.
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