There is no limit on the number of winners to celebrate the 95-year-old monarch's 70 years on the throne next year.

       For the first time the candidates include British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, with the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, and the Cayman Islands in the competition along with the Isle of Man.

       The British candidates on the list published by the Cabinet Office include St Andrews in Fife, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met as students. A further 12 places already given city status have applied for a Lord Mayor or Lord Provost.

       In October, it was announced Southend-on-Sea would be given city status in tribute to its long-serving MP, Sir David Amess, who was fatally stabbed.

       What is happening where you live? Find out by adding your postcode or visit InYourArea

       Cabinet minister Steve Barclay, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: "City status is not only about local pride. It can deliver real benefits for businesses and the local area."

       Alcester; Ballymena; Bangor; Blackburn; Bolsover; Boston; Bournemouth; Coleraine; Colchester; Crawley; Crewe; Doncaster; Dorchester; Douglas; Dudley; Dumfries; Dunfermline; Elgin; George Town; Gibraltar; Goole; Greenock; Guildford; Livingston; Marazion; Medway; Middlesbrough; Milton Keynes; Newport and Carisbrooke; Northampton; Oban; Reading; Peel; St Andrews; Stanley; South Ayrshire; Warrington; Warwick; and Wrexham.