Brighton and Hove's bid to become European Capital of Culture was given a close inspection when the judges toured the city.

They joined representatives of leading city organisations who showed the panel of six what the city has to offer as part of the where else campaign.

Among the places on show were the Royal Pavilion, the newly refurbished Brighton Museum and Brighton Dome, where the new library will be sited, the Komedia theatre and Fabrica Art Gallery.

The party took a break for lunch at the fishing museum on Brighton seafront as an army of volunteers battled to clear the beach of rubbish following Fatboy Slim's weekend party.

While the beach was not looking its best for the tour, members of the panel said they appreciated the day followed one of the biggest parties the city had ever seen, so the mess would not affect the bid.

There was a bus tour showing the city's diversity from the centre to the Sussex Downs.

During the ride, the guests were taken to many of the city's landmarks ranging from Brighton Marina, both the Universities of Brighton and Sussex, the planned location of Brighton and Hove Albion's community stadium to Shoreham Harbour, Brighton Racecourse and Black Rock.

Jackie Lythell, chairwoman of the where else campaign, said: "Fortunately they chose one of the best sunny days we have had which really showed Brighton and Hove off at its best.

"The panel were extremely pleased. They thought we presented a wide range of cultural activities within the city.

"They told us the day was well-organised and packed with a sufficient variety of visits and people to meet.

"They got a sense of our boundaries, how close the Downs are to the city centre and what benefit that brings to residents and visitors."

The panel includes the chairman, Sir Jeremy Isaacs, former chief executive of Channel 4 and general director of the Royal Opera House; Marc Jordan, art historian and businessman; Magnus Linklater, columnist and former chairman of the Scottish Arts Council; Stewart McGill, artistic director of The Playbox Theatre, Warwick; Peter Stead, external professor at the University of Glamorgan, writer and broadcaster; and Ruth Wishart, journalist and broadcaster.

The panel is still reviewing the 12 written bids. They are due to shortlist between three to six places at the end of the autumn.