One of the leading figures behind County Durham's bid to be named UK City of Culture 2025 says winning the coveted status for the North East "would shine a spotlight on a place which for too long has been in the shadows".
The county was one of just four locations from across the UK to be shortlisted - alongside Bradford, Southampton and Wrexham County Borough - and would be the first place in the North East to hold the prestigious title. Previous winners Derry-Londonderry, Hull and Coventry have also seen significant social and economic benefits after their years in the spotlight in 2013, 2017 and 2021 respectively.
And Alison Clark, head of culture, sport and tourism at Durham County Council, told The Northern Agenda Podcast that winning would be "a huge deal...not just for County Durham, but also for the whole of the region."
