PREPARE to meet the Romans in Newport tomorrow.

They will be everywhere, showing us how proud they were to have lived in a city.

Not Rome, of course - although many of them may well have come from the Eternal City - but Caerleon.

It may be a town now living under the Newport county borough umbrella, but it was once the City of the Legions, one of the most strategic outposts of the Roman occupying forces in Britain.

And tomorrow's Romans will, of course, be people dressed up.

It's all intended to launch Newport's bid for city status. One town in each of the four home countries of the UK will be elevated to a city to mark the Queen's golden jubilee.

Newport is hotly tipped with Wrexham to be the chosen town.

Newport's success in the Wales in Bloom competition - it won the city category this week - has given it a timely boost. The announcement, two days before the official launch of Newport's city bid, could not have come at a better moment.

Wherever you look in Newport town centre tomorrow, Romans will be on hand with reminders of what it was like to be a city-dweller in Newport 2,000 years ago.

The High Street indoor market will be themed for the day, with 100 traders dressed as Romans and lots of Roman activities taking place.

Around noon, Roman guards will march across Town Bridge to Newport Rugby Club's family village at Rodney Parade.

Supported by local businesses, residents, Newport RFC, the South Wales Argus and Real Radio, family village activities start at 1pm.

A Roman emperor will host the event and preside over gladiator challenges, falconry, gymnastics and martial arts displays.

For youngsters, a Roman fancy dress competition will offer prizes of signed rugby shirts and balls presented by Newport player Ian Gough. There will also be bouncy castles, Sumo wrestling, rodeo riding, storytelling, a jazz band and a Real Radio roadshow.

Campaign chairman Ben Hoppe said: "The launch is a great occasion for everyone in Newport to celebrate. The more support we receive the stronger our case becomes.

"I urge everyone to come out and support the town tomorrow, as the honour of city status would mean a great deal to Newport."