As part of the special celebrations for the Queens Diamond Jubilee in 2012 it has been announced that Towns across the country can apply to become the newest City in the UK. Various applications have been made from different parts of the country and there is no surprise to see that Paddy Power have been quick off the mark to open a market up with the Irish Bookmakers rating Reading as the warm favourites to take the prize. The Berkshire Town will be keeping their fingers crossed they have done enough to win the bid with City status expected to boost the local economy as well as bringing new jobs to the area.

There is no doubt that Reading look to be strongest bid on paper and that is reflected in their latest price of 11/2 with Paddy Power.com, they do face some stiff competition though and there might be some value to be had elsewhere. Reading may a strong fight from another south coast town with Bournemouth launching a bid for City status, the coastal resort believe they can meet the governments aim of rewarding vibrant, welcoming communities with interesting histories and distinct identities. Bournemouth is clearly a vibrant tourist town at the moment and that could mean they have a strong chance of winning the bid, this a is a view backed up by Paddy Power who rate them as a 12/1 shot.

Previous winners have reported several boosts to the area after being named a City with the likes of Newport in Wales and Sunderland both attracting significant new investment after they were awarded new City status. Middlesbrough will be hoping they can emulate local rivals Sunderland as they bid for City status in 2012, the area is of course known for its industry and they will be hoping winning the bid will boost ! the loca l economy significantly. Middlesbrough can be backed at 12/1 with Paddy Power to be named the new City by the Queen/Government in 2012. It looks more likely though that we could have a new City in the South with Reading the likely winners at this stage, Bournemouth should not be ignored though and we look set for a tight race over the next few months.

Queens New City Diamond Jubilee Betting with Paddy Power

• 11/2 Reading
• 10/1 Doncaster
• 12/1 Bournemouth
• 12/1 Dover
• 12/1 Guildford
• 12/1 Middlesbrough
• 12/1 Omagh
• 14/1 Colchester
• 14/1 Dudley
• 14/1 Luton
• Bar

All markets supplied by Paddy Power.com