CANTERBURY'S European Capital of Culture bid team faced their final hurdle this week and must now sit back and await the results.

The team of six had their last opportunity to impress when they travelled to the Department for Culture Media and Sport to make a presentation to the judging panel.

The panel will now decide which UK city holds the prestigious title in 2008.

Headed by City Council Chief Executive Colin Carmicheal, the Canterbury contingency which travelled to London for the presentation included the council's Head of Leisure and Cultural Services Janice McGuinness, Steering Group member Peter Williams, consultants Timothy Mason and Sean Young, and cultural practitioner and storyteller Vayu Naidu.

The main part saw professional story teller Vayu Naidu telling the story of the journey that Canterbury in East Kent has made to this point, which highlights our potential and our aspirations for the future.

Colin Carmichael said: "The presentation went very well. We felt that using a storyteller gave out a strong and confident message. It demonstrated that we have faith in our cultural community and that they will be the ones that will drive and deliver the events for 2008."

The announcement of the shortlist is expected sometime in November.