A COMMUNITY leader has said it is 'disappointing' Dorchester has missed out on winning city status - but says Prince Charles might bestow the civic honour in the future.

Dorchester was among towns across the UK and overseas territories that bid for the honour as part of the Queen's 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

READ MORE: Play area in Poundbury opened by Prince Charles

Although Dorchester's bid was rejected, eight places were announced by the Cabinet Office as winning coveted city status including Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, the first Overseas Territory to win the competition.

Other successes were for Douglas on the Crown Dependency of the Isle of Man, Bangor in Northern Ireland, Colchester, Doncaster and Milton Keynes in England, plus Dunfermline in Scotland and Wrexham in Wales.

The new cities can expect a boost to local communities and open up new opportunities for people who live there, according to the Cabinet Office.
Dorchester town councillor Alistair Chisholm said: "It's disappointing for us, but the towns that have been successful will benefit massively.

"The population of a successful town in its bid was taken into account. However, I'm certain our population is higher than Stanley, which is now a city."

Dorchester's bid for city status did receive some backlash as it was previously dismissed a 'vanity project' and 'a pointless waste of time' by some councillors who believe there should be more focus placed in other areas, such as climate change.

Mr Chisholm, who is also Dorchester's town crier, added: "Bidding for city status has raised the town's profile.

"Dorchester and neighbouring Poundbury are areas which are close to Prince Charles' heart.

"He is in line to become the next head of the monarchy, so during his reign, Dorchester may be able to deliver the status - if it is in his power of course."
Janet Hewitt, who is set to be announced as the next Dorchester mayor, said: "The town council was in full support of the bid for city status because the area has a rich history.
"However, to put it into context, we're only a small market town, but nonetheless we're growing."
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries described city status as "a huge accolade" adding: "This competition showcases the best of Britain and the Overseas Territories and will act as a lasting legacy of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee."