Cardiff failed to be named European Capital of Culture

Speaking after Liverpool was announced the winner - Chris Jackson, a director at the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay and vice chairman of North Wales Tourism, said judges had made the right decision.

"I'm absolutely delighted, I've been a long time supporter of the Liverpool bid," he said.

"Our business would benefit more from the Liverpool bid.

"I would've been disappointed if Liverpool hadn't got it.

April Lydon:'I don't like Liverpool'

"We have to make the case for north Wales to work together with Liverpool, this is a fantastic opportunity for us."

Speaking about Cardiff's failure he added: "Cardiff and south Wales have the rugby and the Ryder Cup to look forward to."

Mr Jackson said he now would be pushing for meetings with Liverpool City Council and the north Wales local authorities to jointly promote the region.

Liverpool shocked favourite Newcastle-Gateshead to win the title.

'Win/win situation'

They also beat bids from Birmingham, Bristol and Oxford.

Liverpool has had a long affiliation with north east Wales, many people live in the region and commute to work over the border each day.

Megan Jones, 55, from Southsea near Wrexham, said Liverpool was the ideal choice.

"It could really improve our economy," she said.

"People travelling to Liverpool may come to north Wales too which can only be a good thing, we always lose out to south Wales."

Sally Medlin worked on Liverpool's bid and previously lived in Wales for more than 10 years.

Jonathan Davies said Cardiff had a strong bid

She said north Walians would have gained if either Cardiff or Liverpool had been chosen.

"They're in a win/win situation," she said.

"Cardiff's bid was strong and would have financially benefited north Wales however many people have family and work in Liverpool."

However, when the announcement was made by UK Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell on Wednesday many people from north east Wales said they felt let down by Liverpool's win.

"I think Cardiff had a better bid and it's a bit disappointing for Wales but we are closer to Liverpool and we miss out quite a bit," said 24-year-old Jonathan Davies.

He added: "If we're going to benefit from it Liverpool is a better place for it."

April Lydon from Mold said a south Wales Capital of Culture would be best for the region: "I know Liverpool better than Cardiff but I don't particularly like it," she said.

Mererid Wyn Williams, 28 and from Wrexham, said Cardiff had made an excellent bid.

"I'm disappointed for Cardiff, I would've preferred for Cardiff to have that status.

"Although we are up here in north Wales I do think that as Cardiff is our capital we should support that area."