Birmingham is hoping to build a reputation as a world-class centre for arts, sport and entertainment after its shortlisting for European Capital of Culture 2008.

The city was one of six announced as the front-runners for the coveted title by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell on Tuesday.

Other cities on the shortlist are Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Newcastle/Gateshead and Oxford.

Birmingham's bid, on behalf of the West Midlands, includes attractions in Coventry and Warwickshire, such as Coventry Cathedral and Warwick Castle.

'Fitting tribute'

The director of the Birmingham bid, Stephen Heatherington, described the city as the most culturally diverse of the contenders.

This is a ringing endorsement of the city's forward thinking policies

Birmingham City Council leader, Sir Albert Bore

"This is the greatest prize any European city can win," he said.

"It would be a fitting tribute to the collective efforts of all the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands region to win this title.

"UK cities won't get the chance at the title for at least another 30 years.

"So this really is the greatest chance in a generation for Birmingham's image to catch up with the amazing reality."

A successful Birmingham's bid is expected to generate a minimum of �150m for the regional economy and create more than 10,000 jobs.

'Remarkable changes'

Birmingham topped the poll in a national independent survey published at the weekend.

Birmingham City Council leader Albert Bore said: "This is a ringing endorsement of the city's forward thinking policies over the last two decades and presents us with a very great opportunity for the future.

"The changes that have taken place here have been quite remarkable."

Mr Heatherington added: "We have built a world-class cultural infrastructure, tested and proven many times through international sports championships, superb arts venues and the flair that managed the G8 summit and many great events."

Last month, former US president Bill Clinton, who attended the G8 summit, described Birmingham as "an incredible jewel of a city".