Towns in Shropshire are being encouraged to participate in a challenge so as to win the title of the UK Town of Culture 2028.

The competition by the government was introduced on 14th Jnauary, and the towns must express interest by the end of March.

The Shropshire councillor in charge of economic growth, Rob Wilson, has sent letters to the town clerks in the county and informed them that the victory would increase “tourism, investment, and community pride.”

He explained that Shropshire Council was not in a position to sponsor several bids, but would provide sponsorship to a bid that it believed had the best prospects of success.

It is the first time the contest is being held, and towns of all sizes are invited to demonstrate that they have a “vibrant cultural programme.”

The shortlist of towns will be announced in the spring and then judged by a panel headed by Sir Phil Redmond, who will select three finalists: one small town, one medium and one large town.

That group will then be narrowed down to make the winner, and the winner will get £3m with the other two finalists getting £250,000 each.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy indicated that she would like towns to enjoy similar privileges that the UK City of Culture competition accorded.