Cardiff's bid to become the European Capital of Culture is under close scrutiny by a group of judges currently on a whistle-stop tour of the UK.

Led by former TV chief Sir Jeremy Isaacs, the nine judges are spending the day touring the city and parts of south Wales.

Wales is a country that has a bright and confident future, but a country that is proud of its rich culture

Culture Minister Jenny Randerson

During the trip, they will visit 30 attractions such as the site of the Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay, and traditional venues including Cardiff Castle.

Some of the judges will also travel up to the Pop Factory in Porth, Rhondda, which is seen an example of economic regeneration and cultural confidence working in harmony.

The judges are currently visiting 12 cities around the UK as part of the selection procedure to decide which will contest the title.

The panel will advise the Prime Minister on the UK nomination.

Culture Minister Jenny Randerson: Backs bid

Assembly Culture Minister Jenny Randerson has told the visiting judges that Cardiff is the "natural home" for the culture title.

"Wales is a country that has a bright and confident future, but a country that is proud of its rich culture, steeped in history and a unique language," said Ms Randerson.

"Cardiff's bid to be European City of Culture 2008 builds on our history and tradition but also recognises the diverse nature of Wales today and the valuable contribution all parts of Wales make to our national identity.

Sir Jeremy, along with his panel, also met people from the world of sport, the arts and heritage, on a visit to the Old Library in The Hayes.

He was also due to meet the First Minister Rhodri Morgan at the National Museums and Galleries of Wales.

Late bid

If Cardiff succeeds in its bid, the accolade it would almost certainly mean a huge econonmic boost for the city.

Three hundred project proposals, including the creation of the world's largest arts prize, have been included in the official bid document, which went on public displays in libraries in May.

Culture bidders

Bradford Bristol Birmingham Belfast Brighton Canterbury Inverness Liverpool Newcastle Gateshead Norwich Oxford

A latecomer to the race, Cardiff submitted its bid for the city of culture accolade to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in London in March.

The bookies favourite - supported in a recent BBC News Online poll of 12,000 people - is the joint submission of Newcastle and Gateshead, in England's north-east.

Liverpool, Oxford and Belfast are also considered strong contenders while the Welsh capital trails behind.

In 2008, it is the UK's turn to compete for the accolade last held by Glasgow in 1990.

Cardiff will learn in the autumn if it has been short-listed, with the eventual winner being named next spring.