MIDDLESBROUGH has failed in its bid to gain city status.

Eight towns have received the status as per of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, it has been announced.

Doncaster, Wrexham, Dunfermline, Bangor and Stanley, in the Falkland Islands, all received the approval.

After submitting their bid last year, town officials said they highlighted Middlesbrough’s distinct identity, civic pride, heritage, history and traditions.

They also detailed the record of innovation – from its industrial beginnings right through to our present day digital pioneers – and its vibrant and welcoming community.

And it also set out Middlesbrough’s Royal associations, proudly looking back on previous visits from the Royal Family.

The final deadline to send in the bid was early December, and it was submitted with the backing of every council leader in the North East and North Yorkshire.

Reacting to the disappointing news, the town’s mayor Andy Preston said: “It’s disappointing that Middlesbrough has missed out on the Queen’s Jubilee city status - but our future remains bright and I’m full of optimism for what we can achieve in the years ahead - I believe we presented a compelling case but a massive congrats to our newest cities - a great honour.”

More to follow...