One of Cornwall smallest towns is making a bid to become the UK's smallest city - despite having a population of less than 1,500 people.

Marazion is a hotspot for tourists with picturesque St Michael’s Mount just metres from its shoreline - accessed at low tide by a cobbled causeway.

But the wannabe city will be up against some tough competitors, including Reading, Bournemouth and Southend-on-Sea.

The competition is part of next year's Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and judges will look at civic pride, heritage and innovation.

Marazion, with only 1,440 inhabitants, would be the country's smallest city and it's believed to be the oldest chartered town in the UK.

St Davids, in Wales, is currently the smallest UK city, with 1,600‎ inhabitants. It was awarded the status in 1994, to mark its role in Christian heritage.

City status is rarely granted - in 2012 25 towns applied, with only three granted the status.

“Marazion deserves to be celebrated and given city status. The wonderful people, the fascinating history, stunning beauty and incredible community spirit mean that Marazion would be a fitting and popular place to become the next town to be honoured with becoming a city", Town Councillor Richard Stokoe, chairman of the Queens Platinum Jubilee Committee said.

He continued: "As it is often said, size is not important. Despite being a David in a field of Goliaths applying for city status, anyone who has ever lived, worked or visited Marazion knows that there is something for everyone and that it would be a worthy winner of the award."