IF Hull can be a UK City of Culture then so can Hereford, a backbench councillor has claimed.

Tory Peter Sinclair-Knipe threw his weight behind Herefordshire's fledgling plan to bid for the prestigious status for 2021.

All but one of Herefordshire Council's elected members at a meeting of full council voted to support the idea which is being led by the city's Courtyard Theatre.

"Not to detract from the fine city of Hull (which is UK City of Culture for 2017) but if it can get that accolade then Hereford certainly can," said Cllr Sinclair-Knipe.

In introducing the item, fellow Tory Cllr Nick Nenadich reeled off a number of historical figures from David Garrick to John Masefield who have helped Hereford became a cultural attraction, along with places such as Grange Court in Leominster, the Rotherwas Ribbon and the Mappa Mundi.

He said the city was very nearly a top educational centre but narrowly lost out to Oxford in the Middle Ages when a decision was made where to build a top university.

"We have culture in every nook and cranny in this county," he said, while announcing he would not be standing as a councillor during the county elections next May.

"This is something to be proud of.

"It has often been said that people in Hereford cannot agree what day of the week it is, but that can change. Every resident needs to own this bid."

Although the application is for Hereford to be the UK's City of Culture for 2021, the bid is being launched on behalf of the whole of Herefordshire; an approach thought to be unique in the history of the bidding process.

"Such a bid has never been made before and I'm wholly supportive of it," said It's Our County leader, Cllr Anthony Powers.

The bid is expected to be launched in 2017.

Former council leader Cllr Roger Phillips said it would be a chance for Herefordshire residents to appreciate what they have, adding the annual H-art project is an example of how the county can show off its cultural assets.

Cllr Alan Seldon abstained from voting, saying he wants to hear more information on how the bid would be a countywide project.