So what next?

The successful bid was the latest of three attempts by council bosses to see the town upgraded.

Around £30,000 of council tax payers' money was spent on the latest bid, but council chiefs are convinced it was money well spent.

Our reporter Ben Hewes spoke to Jim Carr, chief executive of Preston City Council, to see how city status will benefit the average Prestonian.

Mr Carr said: "The first bid was about half a dozen sheets of paper, and the second was a brochure. This time we have done a brilliant job and it has worked."

According to Mr Carr, Preston is set to slowly but noticeably change over the next few years with some differences appearing straight away.

He said: "We didn't anticipate winning, although we were hopeful! The first thing people will notice will be changes in the council's logo, and on vehicles.

"Also we will be working with the county council to see about changes in road signs. We need to work out how much it will cost and we need to find the money to do it."

Mr Carr expects Preston to grow economically as a city, too. City status will attract investment, and even make it easier for the council to apply for money from the Government.

He said: "The benefits for people are more long-term. They're about retaining graduates from the university and Preston College to stay and build their own businesses. The average person will gain from this.

"And if they don't gain personally then their children will, and their children's children. It's an investment for the future.

"We feel that being a city will provide potential in the future for things like mini-breaks, and bring more people to the National Football Museum.

"Preston has got a new respect in the North West, and we will be taken more seriously in our requests for funds from the Government.

"We would also like to see the Parish Church upgraded -- there is a stage between parish church and cathedral.

"We will be known as The City of Preston."