WORCESTER'S bid to win Lord Mayor status has been submitted to the Lord Chancellor.

City leaders decided to make the bid after a contest for the royal honour was announced in July.

The title has only been granted 16 times in the past century, usually on occasions of royal significance.

The competition is part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations next year, with the single winner likely to be announced early in 2002.

"The Lord Chancellor's department left it to each local authority to decide how best to present their case," said David Wareing, chief executive of Worcester City Council.

"Because the grant of a Lord Mayoralty is a decision made by the Sovereign herself, we decided to focus on the county's direct royal connections, and particularly the strong bond between Worcester and Worcestershire and the Queen.

"We also gave an overview of the life of the city in the past, today, and a look at what lies ahead."

Mr Wareing thanked "all those individuals and organisations" who had supported the bid. Copies of their letters have been included.

"With many cities nationwide also entering, the competition will be fierce," he added.

Worcester is the third oldest city in the country, chartered in 1189 behind London and Canterbury - both of which have Lord Mayors.