The column reflected the views of its readers - combining text messages of commiseration about the culture bid result with a chance for readers to contribute to the debate in future editions.

Meanwhile, on Merseyside, the papers' website is publishing a constant stream of e-mails basking in the new-found title of City of Culture 2008.

The city has been enjoying a spontaneous tourism boom since the announcement last Wednesday.

And the Liverpool Echo said: "It is, quite simply, one of the most momentous days in our city's history since King John granted Liverpool its charter in 1207. Life for Scousers will never be the same again. It is guaranteed to be better and brighter."

Among the other rival cities' newspapers, The Birmingham Post reported that an inquiry was under way to discover the reason why they failed, the paper saying there was anger at suggestions the city simply wasn't good enough.

The Bristol Evening Post told how judges criticised the fact the city's districts were separated by the M32 motorway.

The Oxford Mail said that "Oxford… was always careful to limit its spending, and an initial input of about £160,000 was dwarfed by the millions invested by rivals".

The Western Mail in Cardiff debated whether the Valleys were included sufficiently in its fight for the title.

As for Liverpool, there is now even the possibility of a new museum to celebrate Scouse comedy…