NEWCASTLE has been voted Favourite UK City, beating the likes of Edinburgh and London to the coveted title.

The Tyneside city came out top in the Guardian and Observer Travel Awards 2014, it was announced.

Newcastle is only the second city outside Edinburgh in the past 15 years to secure the top spot and has nudged last year's winner Bath into second place.

Sarah Stewart, chief executive at Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, which markets the area nationally and internationally to attract both leisure and business visitors, said: "This is a fantastic result. We're delighted that Guardian readers have chosen Newcastle as their favourite city.

"This title helps to reinforce Newcastle and Gateshead's growing reputation as a leading city break and demonstrates its ability to punch above its weigh, beating popular visitor destinations like York, London, Edinburgh and Leeds to the title."

In the Guardian's coverage of the winners, journalist Harry Pearson writes: "That Newcastle was voted the best UK city by readers of the Guardian and Observer therefore comes as little surprise.

“Certainly no local will do a double take on hearing the news. You see, Newcastle's atmosphere of almost pathological friendliness and good humour stems from one simple thing: all Geordies believe themselves blessed to have been born here."

He goes on to describe its many credentials as a 'great city', from the famous nightlife to its history and heritage founded on innovation and engineering; from the area's best pubs to contemporary art galleries, including BALTIC.

Kathie Wilcox, head of marketing and communications at Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, said: “It is a real coup for Newcastle to win this title and not only raised its profile significantly amongst the industry heavy weights in attendance but also provides a great platform for us to promote the destination over the coming months."