The government has received 398 bids to become UK Town of Culture representing more than 400 localities.

Every bidding town was invited to submit a postcode to represent their bid. These were displayed by National Museums Liverpool in a digital display in the Museum of Liverpool, which culture secretary Lisa Nandy went to visit, alongside chair of the independent panel judging the bids, Sir Phil Redmond.

Liverpool was European Capital of Culture in 2008 and inspired the UK's own City of Culture competition.

The competition will shine a light on local visions and voices from across the UK and encourage local investment.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "For far too long, towns across the UK have felt left out of our national story.

"Today we celebrate the local pride that has always existed in towns around the country within this amazing display of postcards from bidding towns.

"Through UK Town of Culture, I wanted to shine a light on our amazing towns all across the UK and the huge contribution they make to our national life. That contribution is clear to see today and I hope each and every town is incredibly proud of the work they have done to champion their community in the competition."

Chair of the independent panel, Sir Phil Redmond said: "The number of towns that have entered the competition is incredible. It is a distinct moment in its own right, when people overwhelmingly wanted to demonstrate the sense of pride they have in their own communities.

"It is why we invited every one of them to send a postcard, a snapshot, of where they are, who they are, and how taken together, each contributes to our shared national story.

"The postcards, along with their initial bids will form part of our national archive so future generations can look back and appreciate this significant cultural moment of history."