Oxford city councillors have confirmed that they are to spend an extra £50,000 on Oxford's bid to become Capital of Culture in 2008.

Members of the executive board agreed to take the money from the council's balances.

The two universities and the county council are also committing an additional £50,000 each, on top of the £160,000 the bid partners have already spent.

Oxford has joined Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool and Newcastle/Gateshead as contenders for the 2008 cultural crown.

Alex Hollingsworth, leader of the city council, said he thought it was acceptable to take the money from balances for this "exceptional" cause.

Meanwhile councillors in Oxford have confirmed their spending plans for the next three years.

The Labour-run executive board agreed a three-year spending budget plan across all areas of the council, including general spending, housing and capital investment.

Six area committees will discuss the proposals in January and invite the public to comment.