Croydon’s latest bid for city status has already received a blow after it was handed odds of just 25-1 to scoop the coveted title.
The town’s bid, which was submitted on May 27, focuses on the town’s status as a retail and economic powerhouse in south London and is being backed by Mayor Boris Johnson.
But Berkshire rival Reading has been named firm favourite by the bookies, with some offering as little as 6-1 on the town claiming the title next year.
Middlesbrough, Dover, Perth, Machynlleth, Milton Keynes, Medway and Bolton have also thrown their hats in the ring for the contest, which is being held to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Only three of the 26 hopefuls - Wrexham, Goole and Swindon - have been given longer odds than Croydon.
The borough has already racked up two failed city bids after being snubbed in the millennium contest and during the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.
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