THE former leader of Conwy has said the county would be the "ideal choice" to become the next UK City of Culture.

Sam Rowlands, MS for North Wales, said the 2025 award could "put Conwy even more firmly on the tourist map" and boost its economic recovery after the pandemic.

He urged the Welsh Government to give its support to Conwy County Borough Council, which will submit an expression of interest for a cluster of towns to bid for the scheme.

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands, who is also shadow minister for local government, said: "I am delighted to back Conwy County Council in this bid. North Wales has an exceptional reputation for delivering world-class events and Conwy would be an ideal choice.

“As a destination we already attract thousands of visitors from all over the world, every year and this would just enhance its popularity and put Conwy even more firmly on the tourist map.

“This bid will improve connections across Conwy and North Wales, between rural and urban communities, younger and older generations, and between the mountains and the sea.

“It would be a wonderful way to help the area recover from the damage caused by Covid.

“I urge the Welsh Government to get behind this bid which would deliver lasting benefits for all of Wales and would again put our country on the international radar.”

Conwy will be the “flagship” town, including its 13th century castle and walls, while Gwyrch Castle's TV appearance as the host of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and the viral fame of Llandudno's Great Orme goats are also hoped to add weight to the bid.