A regional daily is celebrating after backing a successful bid for its patch to host the next Eurovision song contest.

Liverpool will welcome the event in May next year after being chosen over Glasgow by judges.

The Echo had previously supported Liverpool’s campaign to host the contest on behalf of this year’s winner Ukraine.

On Saturday’s front page, pictured, the Echo depicted local landmark The Liver Bird flying the Ukrainian flag in its beak.

In an accompanying editorial, political editor Liam Thorp wrote: “This was a decision that went way beyond one big fun event (and it will be really, really amazingly fun) – this was a decision, a moment that could be defining for this city and its future.

“The plans for Eurovision are already being put in place and will involve months of cultural events and offerings that will bring this city to life after some tough times.

“Of course nowhere has suffered more than Ukraine over the past year and Liverpool’s bid will be built around an incredible platform on which to celebrate the spirit, the culture and the astounding resolve of that nation and its people.

“Liverpool loves a party, it loves to welcome people and it loves to celebrate the good times. It was always to be the perfect place to host Eurovision 2023 but this event could and should be much more than that.”