FIRST Minister: Today is a major milestone in Newport's history NEWS that Newport is Wales' newest city was today greeted with pride and delight. Wales' First Minister Rhodri Morgan sent a personal message of congratulations to the city - saying it was a "very well deserved honour".

Mr Morgan said: "Today is a major milestone in Newport's history. "Newport has had most, if not all, the characteristics of a city for many decades. It is a go-ahead and vibrant gateway into Wales and is rapidly emerging as one of Wales' leading centres for modern, high-technology industry and commerce.

"It is a distinction which has been earned by Newport for its regional importance as one of the premier gateways to Wales and as Wales' third largest urban centre. May it herald a prosperous century."

Sir Harry Jones, leader of Newport county borough council said: "It is a great honour to be awarded city status and we are delighted at the news.

"For over a decade, Newport has consistently put forward the case to be awarded city status and we are grateful that the Queen has chosen to honour Newport in this way. "The real work begins now.

"This is particularly important a year after Corus job losses were announced presenting a devastating blow to south east Wales.

"I firmly believe that city status and the profile that it will give will help us to positively combat the impact of the losses that we have suffered.

"I would like to thank everyone involved in the campaign who have worked so hard to prepare and present Newport's bid."

Ben Hoppe, chairman of Newport's city status bid committee, speaking from Spain where he is holidaying, said: "I am delighted. Everybody is going to gain by this. Obviously it is going to attract investment and regeneration of the town centre. It will give people a lot of civic pride."

Mr Hoppe added the committee would be meeting next week to discuss its next step. Councillor Ron Morris, Mayor of Newport, said: "Becoming a city is a tremendous honour but a responsibility as well.

"We are absolutely delighted. The important thing now is for us to work hard to make sure that this is not just a meaningless honour but that it really makes a difference to the people of Newport and the whole of south east Wales."

The University of Wales College Newport's new principal, Professor James Lusty, said: "There is no doubt that city status will aid the development of UWCN, since research shows that students prefer to study in a city rather than a town and this will boost the application rate."

Rosemary Butler, AM for Newport West, said: "In my eyes Newport has been a city for a long time, but I'm delighted to hear that the Queen is to make it official."

John Griffiths, Newport East AM, said: "It's a great tribute to Newport council and the business community and everyone else involved for the very strong campaign they have organised."

South East Wales AM Mike German said: "This is great news for Newport. The only question now is whether the football club will call themselves Newport City!" Newport-based AM William Graham, who represents south east Wales, said: "It should mean renewed confidence to attract new employers to the town."

Plaid Cymru AM Jocelyn Davies, whose constituency office is in High Street, said: "A lot of people already thought it was a city, but now it really is."

And Newport-born David Davies, Tory AM for Monmouth, said: "This is wonderful news. It's a tremendous boost."