Start at the top - that is how Medway's bid for city status was lodged this week.

A delegation led by council leader Rodney Chambers - backed by business and youth leaders - went to Downing Street to hand in the application papers to the Prime Minister.

In a personal letter to David Cameron, Cllr Chambers said Medway was already a city in all but name.

The Medway Messenger is wholeheartedly backing Medway's bid for the five Towns to become the Queen's Diamond Jubilee city.

At a reception in the House of Commons for supporters of the bid, Cllr Chambers said Medway has a rich heritage and a great future.

"Medway has bid to be a city on two previous occasions and because of that is now stronger than ever and fully ready to take up the title."

The bid is supported by Medway's four universities, a varied and extensive business community, councillors across Kent and the political divide as well as many individuals.

Cllr Chambers, pictured right, added: "I would especially like to thank Geraldine Allinson from the KM Group, and the Medway Messenger, who fully embraced our bid and understood the economic importance to Medway of becoming a city."

He also paid tribute to architect Sir Terry Farrell, who conceived the title Five Towns make a City.

Medway Council's chief executive, Neil Davies, said it was a momentous day for the Towns.

He paid tribute to the work of volunteer staff, under assistant director Richard Hicks and Medway's 2012 manager Bob Dimond.

Among those present was Tom Spaul, chief operating officer at Veolia.
The council contractor paid for the bid document and also for the reception in the House of Commons.

Mr Spaul said: "We consider this a chance to encourage young people into new opportunities."

Bill Ferris, chief executive of the Historic Dockyard Chatham, said: "We fully support this," he said. "It recognises the coming together of the five Towns, though they will still retain their separate identities. We wish it every success."