BUSINESSMAN Ben Hoppe (pictured) is looking forward to handing over Newport's bid for city status to Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy.

As chairman of the town's campaign committee he sees it as an "historic presentation". "Newport's bid for city status comes from the people of Newport. It is a community-based bid which has been put together in partnership with the council," he said.

Mr Hoppe is confident that Newport will be victorious thanks to the campaign which has so far cost £25,000.

His assurance stems from the fact that the town meets all three stipulations laid down by the Lord Chancellor:

* Regional notable features - St Woolos Cathedral, the university, the town's multi-cultural society, the arts and the Transporter Bridge.

* Royal and historic links - the Roman connection in Caerleon, the Norman castle, the Chartists, visits by the present Queen.

* The future - the people of Newport have shown strength in the face of adversity and the town needs to attract inward investment.

Mr Hoppe highlights the benefits that city status would bring to the town. "It will give it a high profile which will attract inward investment culminating in more jobs. It would also bring developers to regenerate the town centre."

He points to what had happened in Sunderland, once a town with a very similar background to Newport.

Since becoming a city, 30,000 jobs have been created. "The regeneration has been absolutely fantastic. Sunderland is a wonderful example."

Mr Hoppe said it would also restore "civic pride".

"We have got an extremely strong bid which encompasses all the guidelines perfectly. I honestly feel that we have got every possible chance."

Recent boosts to the campaign have included the news that the Ryder Cup is coming to the Celtic Manor within the next decade. "That will certainly put Newport on the map." Newport in Bloom is another success story which has already been given "city status" by winning the City in Bloom category two years running.

Mr Hoppe also points to the growing renown of Newport rugby club and its tented family village.

Mr Hoppe says he is pleased that the campaign for City Status has so far only cost £25,000 - it could have run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. And he is hoping that could be reduced.

"I have sent out letters to all the businesses in the town to ask for help as it will benefit them in numerous ways."

Mr Hoppe established engineering and construction company Rowecord and, although born in Swansea, has adopted Newport as his home. He has enjoyed working on the campaign which has won widespread public support.

"We have got a great team and it has been a real pleasure working with them." Even after tomorrow's presentation, the committee say they will continue to promote the city bid and they are working on new ideas to keep the enthusiasm going.