Strabane District Council has approved a bid to enter Strabane in the UK Town of Culture competition for 2028. The council's Business and Culture Committee received a briefing from officers on Tuesday and voted in support.

The UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, launched the competition in January. Towns must register interest by the end of this month. Shortlisted candidates will receive £60,000 to develop full applications, with three winners selected.

The overall winner will get £3 million for a year-long programme of cultural events across artistic and community areas.

A council report identified Strabane town as the district's entry, noting its potential to follow Derry's experience as City of Culture in 2013.

Independent councillor Raymond Barr welcomed the move. He stated that Strabane's cultural and historical heritage positions it well for positive impact from the title, including benefits beyond the competition year.

Council officers will now prepare an expression of interest following the committee's approval.