Farnham’s surprise bid to become the UK 2028 Town of Culture has been unsuccessful.

The town was one of three in Waverley Borough to submit an expression of interest in the inaugural competition with Godalming and Haslemere also launching bids.

But with more than 400 UK towns vying for the title and just 15 being shortlisted for the £3million winning prize, the odds were stacked against the trio.

Farnham’s application was headed by the University for the Creative Arts as they “had the capacity” to put in an expression of interest despite the limited timespan.

The town council, Maltings, and other groups synonymous with the arts in Farnham would have come together to boost the bid in the event of shortlisting.