Brighton and Hove has been given 12-1 odds of becoming European Capital of Culture as the deadline for bids approaches.

Bids from the 12 cities competing to hold the title in 2008 were expected to have been lodged with the Government today.

Brighton and Hove's bid was launched today in a blaze of colour and music.

Young saxophonists entertained passengers at Brighton station as city dignitaries set of for London to submit it.

The deadline for entries is Sunday.

Bookmakers have made Newcastle and Gateshead's bid favourite, shortly ahead of those from Belfast and Liverpool.

Judging of the bids will begin shortly after a panel of experts is announced, a spokesman for the Department of Culture Media and Sport said today.

The panel will put its short-list to Culture and Media and Sport Secretary Tessa Jowell in the autumn.

She will then ask Prime Minister Tony Blair to ratify her recommended city in spring next year.

Newcastle and Gateshead have been priced at 3-1 to win the title by bookmaker Blue Square, shortly ahead of Belfast at 7-2 and Liverpool at 5-1.

Cardiff has been given odds of 6-1 and Birmingham and Bradford are at 8-1.

Oxford and Brighton were priced at 12-1; Norwich, Canterbury and Bristol 14-1; and Inverness was at 20-1.

Milton Keynes, which had been expected to bid, has pulled out of the race.

Brighton and Hove City Council estimates a successful campaign could be worth £100 million to the city.