Foster backs UK culture bid

The Minister has already attended a business lunch in the city organised by local regeneration company ILEX to promote the bid as well as having written to her party colleague and Culture Minister Nelson McCausland offering support for the bid.

It was announced last month the city will compete with Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield in its bid for UK glory.

Foyle SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey asked the Minister at the Stormont Assembly to outline her Department's involvement in Derry City Council's bid to become the first UK City of Culture.

She said: "I recently addressed a business lunch in the city organised by Ilex to underline my support for the UK City of Culture bid and the wider regeneration of Londonderry.

"I have also indicated my enthusiastic support to Derry City Council for their endeavours. I have written to the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure offering the practical support of my Department and its agencies."