The aim of The Gazette's campaign is to make this phrase something that our town and borough becomes synonymous with.

For far too long, Basingstoke has been the butt of jokes. For far too long, Basingstoke has been the target of ill-informed criticism and misconceptions. For far too long, Basingstoke has suffered from an image problem.

The Gazette calls on the local community to join our campaign to change all that.

As part of our campaign, we want to put the spotlight on the people, organisations and initiatives that make the town and borough a place to be proud of.

We also want to highlight the areas where more can be done to make Basingstoke a better place - a place to be proud of.

The Gazette believes there is no doubt that Basingstoke is already worthy of this title. Just consider some of the things that it has going for it.

At the heart of the town is the award-winning £300million Festival Place complex - a landmark shopping centre that has truly catapulted Basingstoke into a new league.

Basingstoke is a thriving centre for business. Scores of successful firms have made their home here because they recognise it is the place to be.

In the field of health, Basingstoke has a hospital with a top reputation - a place that is home to the innovative ARK and Pelican centres, which are the base for world-leading cancer surgeons.

Basingstoke has a borough council where people are forward-thinking and committed to raising Basingstoke's profile - locally and nationally.

In the area of education, the town boasts two top further education colleges, a new university campus and a host of excellent schools - several of which have specialist status.

Basingstoke is a boom town when it comes to arts and leisure facilities. How many towns the size of Basingstoke have the likes of The Anvil, the Haymarket, The Willis and Milestones museums, two multiplex cinemas, progressive sports facilities and the Aquadrome?

Of course, it's the people who make a place, and Basingstoke certainly has many from all walks of life who make a difference to the local community.

The Gazette is a newspaper that is proud to serve the local community. We believe Basingstoke is a place to be proud of and we hope that our readers will join us in this campaign.

Basingstoke - A Place To Be Proud Of. It's time to start spreading the word.