SOUTHAMPTON and Portsmouth have not made it on to the shortlist for the national City of Culture award.

The Hampshire cities had entered a joint-bid with the hope of attracting a boost in tourism and the right to host national events such as the Brit Awards.

However, that dream has now ended with the news that the committee behind the award has decided the bid was not good enough to make the final stages.

The final four cities are:
• Birmingham
• Derry
• Norwich
• Sheffield