But it was only 60 years ago that the city was granted the status having previously been classed as a town.

The official petition was granted on February 24, 1964 after years of informal approaches.

On the day Southampton obtained city status the Daily Echo front page read: “Southampton, with roots deep in the history of the land, played a noble part in two world wars, and will wear its new honour well.”

And at the Daily Echo we're celebrating Southampton's 60th anniversary of being granted city status with a special heritage supplement.

We will take a look back at life in the 1960s and the years that followed.

Packed full of pictures and features, our special supplement will be one to keep for the next 60 years!

From the ceremony itself to pictures of the Saints season that year, the extreme weather and much more - it will all be covered in our supplement printed in the Echo on Saturday, February 24.

As part of our coverage, we also want to hear from Southampton people and businesses about the last six decades.

Were you born in February 1964? Did your family start a business back then? Or have you been married for 60 years?

Whatever your Southampton 60 story is, we want to hear from you.

Simply fill in the form below or email newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk with 'Southampton 60' in the subject line.