NEWPORT's bid for city status has gone online. Supporters can sign up and make comments about the campaign, or even send an e-mail card to a friend, asking them to back the bid.

There are already more than 60 supporters' names on the city status website, including Lord Islwyn of Casnewydd, triathlete Annelise Heard, Paul Flynn, MP, William Graham, AM, and Alway Post Office.

These have been joined by many members of the public wanting to show their support. The website also features a bid presentation - showing the reasons why Newport should be made a city to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002 - to convince any doubters out there.

There is also an opportunity to download: a screensaver from the website for your computer, a showreel, and a petition sheet.

Stories about the city bid from the Argus, and photographs of the bid's launch on September 1 are also featured on the website.

The site explains the background to the bid, which must be handed in by October 12 this year.

It says that when Newport previously tried for city status in 1992 and 2000, no town in Wales was upgraded.

This time, a new city will be announced for Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England, giving Newport a better chance.

The town's main competitor is Wrexham. Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Newtown and St Asaph, are also in the bidding.

Lord Chancellor Derry Irvine will decide this time - unlike last year, when the decision rested with the Home Office.

The website can be found at www.newport.gov.uk