Girls Aloud's best singer backs UK culture bid

The Londonderry bid to be named UK City of Culture 2013 is sounding even sweeter with the news that the local pop starlet is right behind it.

With the bid document safely delivered to Manchester and the Londonderry team preparing to make their pitch to the judging panel in Liverpool later this month, Nadine has hit perfect pitch herself with a ringing endorsement of the city's campaign.

"I am absolutely delighted to be associated with my home town's bid for UK City of Culture 2013 as it is richly deserved.

"Derry is a city where culture and the arts are an integral part of the fabric of the community. It is not something you attend or an event that you witness and then leave.

"It is something that is part of your everyday life," said Nadine.

Involved in cultural activity in the city from an early age, Nadine's up-bringing means she has a clear insight into Londonderry's cultural heritage.