A daily newspaper has thrown its weight behind a fresh bid to gain city status for its patch.

The Ipswich Star has announced its support for the Future City campaign, led by Community Improvement District company Ipswich Central.

The campaign has been launched amid speculation over whether the forthcoming coronation of King Charles III will be marked by a new competition giving towns the opportunity to become cities.

Bangor, Colchester, Doncaster, Douglas, Dunfermline, Milton Keynes and Wrexham were all made cities last year as part of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours, as well as Falkland Islands capital Stanley.

Star editor Liz Nice, pictured, said: “I am proud of Ipswich and believe in our county town. That is why we are supporting Ipswich Central and their campaign to make Ipswich Suffolk’s first city.

“We need to stop putting ourselves down, be proud of where we come from and look to the future.

“From our wonderful restaurants to our thriving arts and culture, our beautiful Waterfront to our award-winning university, this diverse town truly has so much to offer. Not to mention that Ipswich Town are currently on the up again.

“This year we mark the Wolsey 550, showcasing our historical significance to the rest of the nation.

“City status is about pride, positivity and putting Ipswich on the map as a destination for tourism, investment and new businesses.

“We are a historic town and I believe now is the time for us to become a historic city.”