Winchester needs to blow its own trumpet more, its council leader said.

"We are good at doing things on this council and we don't let people know enough about it," added Sheila Campbell.

Members agreed to put in a bid for "beacon status" under the theme of the quality of the city's built environment.

The scheme is a government idea that looks for centres of excellence. Beacon councils share their experience and best practice with others.

Steve Bee, director of development services, said: "I am a little wary of these 'proficiency badges' but it strikes me that this is an opportunity to put together all the best we do to protect and enhance the quality of the environment.

"The efforts we put into protecting this are widely appreciated by other authorities. "We should do something to celebrate that and provide help to other authorities as to how we protect and enhance good practice."