Hull is UK City of Culture

The team that secured Hull's City of Culture win have got straight back to work today as they start planning how to turn their bid into reality.

There are now just over three years till the city's cultural calendar takes centre stage across the country - and organisers say around half the funding is in place. They're now busy raising more money and fine tuning the plans. James Webster reports.

Hull and East Yorkshire's Hospitality Association says it hopes tourist numbers start increasing in the area ahead of Hull's year as UK City of Culture in 2017. Sarah Whitefield, who is the general manager at the Hull Marina Holiday Inn is already promoting the area:

Business in Hull are being urged to take advantage of the city's winning culture bid for 2017. The area's Chamber of Commerce says it should make the area more attractive to firms considering investment. Ian Kelly is the Chief Executive:

The leader of the Hull 2017 bid team says half of the funding for the year of culture is now in place and the search is starting for more sponsors to fund the rest of the programme. Andrew Dixon chaired the first meeting of the team earlier since their win was announced yesterday.

The team behind Hull's winning 2017 UK City of Culture bid have confirmed they are planning a public celebration for next month.

The event will be held in the city on the evening of December 12th.

They want as many people as possible to join the party in honour of Hull winning the prestigious title.

The Hull Daily Mail have produced a special celebratory edition of the paper to mark the city being crowned UK City of Culture 2017.

The front page wrap features images of the ecstatic reaction from bid supporters hearing the announcement by Culture Minister Maria Miller.

Read: Interesting facts you may not have known about Hull

Culture Secretary Maria Miller MP has congratulated Hull on the announcement that it is City of Culture 2017.

Hull is 1000/1 to become the most visited tourist city in the UK before its City of Culture tenure ends according to Ladbrokes.

The bookies are offering a series of special bets for Hull in celebration of the city fighting off fierce competition to be crowned, with 100/1 the price it beats all other UK tourist destinations for visitors without London in the same time frame.

Lord Mandelson, High Steward of Kingston upon Hull, has given his message of congratulations to the city.