DOVER is competing to win city status as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Town Mayor Cllr Diane Smallwood has written a lengthy letter explaining why it deserves the accolade.

But the town needs to beat 25 others from across England including Maidstone, Guildford and Blackpool which are also hoping to upgrade. City status will be granted by the Queen, on advice from ministers. She will choose one town each from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and results will be announced early next year.

The Queen has said she will look for "notable features, historical (including Royal) features, and a forward looking attitude." Cllr Smallwood details the history and importance of Dover in her letter to the Lord Chancellor and says the people of Dover would receive a real "boost" if the town won city status.

"Dover is known throughout the world for its White Cliffs and Castle, and as the gateway to and from the rest of Europe," she says in her letter. "Its deep water harbour and its proximity to the Continent has meant it has always taken a leading role in the defence of this country. Its culture dates from Roman times and before and the town is rich in religious, intellectual, artistic and social organisations.

"The granting of city status to Dover will give the town and its people a tremendous boost, while at the same time recognising its unique geographical, historical and cultural significance."

Only 17 towns became cities last century as a mark of "special distinction." Brighton and Hove, Inverness and Wolverhampton were upgraded to mark the Millennium, when Dover also entered a bid, but later withdrew it.