When we first visited Bilbao some ten years ago it was a run-down industrial city, covered in smog and with a dirty river.

Since then, the building of the Guggenheim Museum and other improvements such as an excellent tram and bus service have brought tourists and art lovers alike to the city - and that is nothing to do with cheap flights.

The city has a go-ahead mayor and councillors who are not afraid to build prestigious modern buildings only a short walk from historic buildings such as the theatre.

The new does not detract from the old; the contrast only enhances the attractive features of both. The Guggenheim is amazing, as are its exhibitions.

Bilbao knows a city needs to grow and develop alongside its history. The Brighton Society seems to want to preserve Brighton in aspic.

-Di Shaw, Horsham