Organisers of Brighton and Hove's European Capital of Culture bid say it was a success even though the city failed to make the shortlist.

They said their campaign, called Where Else, created a lasting legacy of a higher profile for the arts with a more united and dynamic arts community.

It also resulted in the proposal of a cultural or arts commission in April 2003 to continue arts developments in the city.

But the report into the aftermath of the campaign also said it had suffered because the run-in time for the launch was too short and it lacked resources for administration.

Campaign chairman Councillor Jackie Lythell said: "Although we were disappointed not to have been shortlisted, at the end of the day the campaign itself and our "live bid" has been judged a resounding success.

"We achieved the objectives we set at the start of the process. We reached thousands of people and ran a programme of wonderful projects.

"The legacy of the bidding process will live on in a number of ways."

Brighton and Hove bid against 11 other UK cities to become European Capital of Culture in 2008 but did not make the final shortlist of six.

Coun Lythell said the city council, as well as setting up a commission, would continue some of the key projects and planned to celebrate in 2008.