The government has announced that the UK's City of Culture competition is to continue, with a nationwide contest to launch later this year in order to find who will hold the title in 2017.

Culture minister Ed Vaizey said that another UK location will have the opportunity to follow Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland, which was named 2013 City of Culture in July 2010.

Vaizey said: "Derry-Londonderry has taken up the challenge of being the very first UK City of Culture and promises a first rate programme of world-class culture in 2013."

"It's a prestigious title and I'm delighted to announce that another city will have the chance to shine in 2017."

Details: www.culture.gov.uk

Image: Derry’s historic walls – Sean Mack