NEWPORT'S city status bid got off to a flying start on Saturday, with everyone from Romans to rugby fans joining in the fun.

The official launch of the bid started off in the town centre, where shoppers and traders were getting into the spirit of the occasion.

There was a Roman theme at the provisions market, with stallholders sporting Roman costume.

Roman bread, specially baked for the day, was being handed out to shoppers, and Roman crafts, as well as face painting and caricatures, were also on offer.

Ross Wortelhock, chairman of the Market Traders' Association and of Newport Market Management Board, said: "It is excellent - it's nice to see everybody dressed up and getting into the spirit of things.

"I think city status would make a big difference to the shopping environment of the town as a whole."

In Commercial Street, shoppers were busy signing a petition calling for Newport to become the newest city in Wales.

We are competing against Wrexham, Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Newtown and St Asaph in Wales to be made a city next year to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Cheryl Webb took her grandson, Max, aged five, who was dressed as a Roman soldier, to see the city status events.

"He is Roman-mad - we visited Bath during the school holidays and I live in Caerleon, so we go to the museum there all the time," said Mrs Webb. "He wanted to dress up today."

A group of adult Romans were also roaming around Newport, meeting the mayor, Councillor Ron Morris, in the town centre, before making their way to Rodney Parade.

There the party continued for more than two hours before kick-off, when Newport took on Edinburgh.

Attractions in the family village there included a Real Radio roadshow and displays of gymnastics, falconry and martial arts.

A presentation was also given by Ben Hopp, chairman of the city status bid committee, to an audience including representatives from the worlds of sport, business, and the voluntary sector.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the judging of the fancy dress competition, with signed Newport shirts and Real Radio packs being presented to winners Starr Chappell and Marcello Rinola by Newport player Ian Gough.

Starr, eight, who plays rugby at Caldicot, was at Rodney Parade with friends Stephanie, Vanessa and Ieuan Higgins, and their mother, Tracey.

Mrs Higgins said the children had wanted to join in the fun and dress up as Romans after reading in the Argus about the launch events.

"I do hope it becomes a city," said Mrs Higgins. "It would bring a lot to Newport."

* In the picture: Newport mayor Ron Morris with market trader Dean Cueto, right, and Ross Wortelhock, chairman of the Market Traders' Association.