THE long-awaited decision on whether Newport is to be named as Wales' 'jubilee city' is set to be made by the Lord Chancellor tomorrow.

Newport, the bookies' favourite, will learn if it is to gain the coveted city status. The Argus is backing the bid.

Malcolm Hall, chairman of the Newport Town Centre Partnership, and a member of the city status committee, said last night: "If we are successful it will be a real shot in the arm for Newport.

"I know certain retailers who will only come to city locations, hopefully these can fill some of the vacant shop premises and other businesses could relocated to the town. "They will not take place overnight, but if Newport can be properly marketed as the new city of Wales then I am sure it would be the catalyst to get other things moving and that includes more jobs."

Newport East MP Alan Howarth (pictured) said he was optimistic Newport would beat its main rival Wrexham to be chosen as a new Welsh city to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. "We are optimistic in New-port the decision will be in favour of Newport and we shall have city status," Mr Howarth said.

Mr Howarth said victory for Newport would help it recover from the job losses announced by Corus and make it more attractive to potential employers boosting jobs and the local economy.

Newport officially launch-ed its bid for city status on September 1 last year, with a host of Roman-themed events to celebrate the town's history.

The bid was then handed to Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy on October 12, who delivered it to the Lord Chancellor Derry Irvine.

Wrexham, Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Newton and St Asaph have also made bids. The town's bid outlines the reasons why Newport deserves city status:

Newport is a real city - it is the largest town in Wales without city status

Newport is a royal and historic city - Caerleon was one of the three original cities of Roman Britain and was the historic seat of the King of Gwent

Newport is a city of the future - it is the economic hub of the Welsh Valleys and one of the fastest growing areas in the UK

Newport is a sporting city - it is the Welsh capital of golf, the future home of the national velodrome, and has speedway and one of Wales' leading rugby clubs.