DURHAM has formally launched its bid to be named the first UK City of Culture.

Bosses at Durham County Council moved quickly to trumpet the strengths of the countywide-bid after the Government formally launched the scheme yesterday.

Council chief executive George Garlick said the county had a unique mix of spiritual and industrial heritage, outstanding natural landscapes and a picture-perfect capital city.

The winner of the title, which will be first awarded in 2013, will host high-profile events such as the Turner Prize and the Brit Awards.

Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw said he wanted to find a city or area outside London “that has the wow factor, with exciting and credible plans to make a step-change in its cultural life and engage the whole country”.

There would be no additional money for the winner.

Brookside creator Phil Redmond, who carried out a feasibility study into the project, said the first winner would probably be a larger conurbation, because smaller areas may not have enough time to prepare.

However, Councillor Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “Durham is hugely encouraged by the announcement by Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw.

“The new City of Culture prize recognises that UK regions play a major part in the cultural life of the nation and that culture is not exclusive to London.”

The Durham bid has three themes: Cultural City, Cultural County; Creative Durham; and Festival Durham.

Officials say public support is crucial but, win or lose, the county will benefit culturally and economically.

Paul Gudgin, former director of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and consultant for the Durham bid, said: “A successful bid could have a completely transforming effect on a city and county on the scale of Durham.”

The competition follows the success of Liverpool as European Capital of Culture last year, said to have brought £800m into the area’s economy.

It will run every four years.

Bidders have until October to submit an outline application and December for initial bids.

Leeds, Oxford and Birmingham are expected to be among the cities bidding for the title.