Some of the city's leading figures gathered for the first meeting of the campaign to bid for Brighton and Hove to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.

More than 30 people, including representatives of the city council, business, the arts, health trusts, universities and community groups, form the executive group of the Brighton and Hove Where Else campaign.

Members include Sue Addis, of Donatello restaurant, Councillor Ken Bodfish, Bob Hoad, of Southern FM, The Argus editor Simon Bradshaw, Derek Maddison, of Churchill Square, Dave Reeves, of Zap Productions and Simon Fanshawe, of the Economic Partnership.

The South Downs Health NHS Trust is involved in the bid because of its use of art within city mental health services.

Today the group, chaired by Councillor Jackie Lythell, held its first meeting at Brighton University's Mithras House, in Lewes Road, Brighton.

The agenda included ideas for fund-raising and a programme of city events for 2002, plus discussions on what the bid should contain.

The bid follows the Place to Be campaign which succeeded in gaining city status for Brighton and Hove.

The European Capital of Culture in 2008 will be in Britain but Brighton and Hove faces competition from other bidders, including Birmingham, Liverpool, Bradford and Canterbury.

Bids must be with the Government by March next year. A decision is expected in the summer of 2003.

The Government has said the winning city must prove it can deliver a programme of events involving a wide range of social groups.

Coun Lythell said: "This is all about creating employment through cultural industries and sustainable jobs after 2008.

"Being capital of culture helps position the city as a market leader in culture and tourism and we will reap concrete economic benefits.

"Creative industries are a growth area and being the culture capital will help us take advantage of that expansion."

Coun Lythell said the city had to look forward to the next decade after winning city status. About 1,600 of the 8,600 businesses in Brighton and Hove are classed as part of the creative economy.

On Monday evening a business launch of the Where Else campaign will be launched at Victoria Real Ltd, International House, Queen's Road, Brighton, with appeals for sponsorship.