AS Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Russell Goodway (pictured) is spearheading his city's bid to become a European Capital of Culture.

But when it comes to backing his neighbour's bid for city status, Russell Goodway isn't so sure how he feels.

Cardiff is seeking the support of Newport and the rest of Wales in its bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2008.

But the Lord Mayor refuses to be drawn on whether he will be backing Newport's bid for city status, in 2002, in return.

Newport's main rival in the city bid, Wrexham, however, claims to have the full support of Wales' capital city. A spokeswoman for Wrexham county borough council told the Argus: "Cardiff isn't making any secret out of supporting our bid."

But, when the Lord Mayor was asked if he was supporting Newport's bid, he would neither answer yes nor no.

He told the Argus: "Cardiff has always been very supportive of Newport and, in particular, has welcomed the decision to stage the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor in Newport, which will provide a great boost for the whole of Wales.

"Such a high-profile event will have a tremendous impact on inward investment and can only be good for the area.

"We are sure that it will be a tremendous achievement and will stand Newport in good stead for the challenges ahead."

Cardiff launched its bid to be European Capital of Culture in September this year. The city has now embarked on a six-month campaign leading up to the bid's submission in March next year, and supporters are keen to involve the whole of Wales.

Newport will find out next year whether or not it has been successful in its bid for city status.

The town's bid is due to be delivered to the Wales Office, in London, next week, to be passed to the Lord Chancellor, Derry Irvine, for consideration.

Apart from Wrexham, Newport's competitors are Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Newtown and St Asaph.

In 2002, there will be one city each for Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, boosting Newport's chances of success.