The European Capital of Culture status for Liverpool will boost the North West economy by a total of £100m, tourism experts have predicted.

Liverpool joins previous holders of the prestigious title including Graz, Dublin, Genoa and Lille, Copenhagen, Lisbon and Glasgow.

The year-long title and other events planned across the area will attract an extra two million tourists, netting up to £50m, according to the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

It also expects the same amount again to be generated on Merseyside.

Ex-Beatle Ringo Starr is due to kick off the celebrations in Liverpool with two nights of musical entertainment.

The European Capital of Culture Liverpool website >>

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By Daniel Thomas

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