BOOKMAKERS William Hill have made Brighton and Hove the favourite in the race for city status.
Placed at 10/1, the south coast resort is ahead of Preston, which falls in at 20/1.
But Preston still remains ahead of local rivals Blackpool, Blackburn and Bolton, who are rated at 25/1.
Although the city status is being awarded to mark the Millennium, no indication has been given by the Home Office as to when the Queen will make her decision.
No guidance has been given as to what the Queen is looking for in her Millennium city, although contrary to popular belief, a cathedral isn't required.
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