The Gazette has launched a campaign to save Blackpool's super-casino dream - and in less than a week has received the support of 3,000 people.

Following the shock naming of Manchester as the winner of the UK's first regional casino licence, The Gazette says there is widespread belief the planning experts tasked with selecting the location got it wrong and that the Casino Advisory Panel completely misread Blackpool's case.

And so its Sign Up For Blackpool is appealing for readers to show their feelings on the matter to Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell.

It is calling for a rethink ahead of a crucial Parliamentary debate on the super-casino location, with a vote expected later this month.

News editor Jon Rhodes told HoldtheFrontPage: "We launched last Thursday under an intro describing it as 'the most important campaign The Gazette had ever launched' - and so it is proving.

"The strength of feeling against what many deem to be an illogical and unjust ruling by the CAP is immense.

"This is not a story of sour grapes or attacking Manchester's bid, this has come about from the belief the CAP misread Blackpool's bid."

Since the campaign launch, more than 1,400 signatures have been collected through The Gazette's website and hundreds of readers have also signed petitions and coupons available through the paper, with many doing so at last Saturday's Blackpool FC game.

All four Fylde coast MPs have signed up and Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Joan Humble has tabled an Early Day Motion calling for the CAP decision to be reviewed prior to the crucial Commons vote.

This has so far been signed by 36 MPs.

Editor David Helliwell said: "Support for our protest campaign against the casino panel's recommendation is growing - and backing is not just coming from within the town.

"In both the Commons and Lords there is still support for Blackpool's plans and a feeling of disquiet that an urban area of developing East Manchester is the test bed for this major pilot project.

"The crucial votes are expected to take place later this month, meaning there is only a limited time in which to prepare a case and round up support.

"It would take a supreme effort to get the recommendation changed at this late stage but it is clear that the people of Blackpool and its supporters are up for the challenge."