MANCHESTER, flush from the success of the Commonwealth Games, may soon be crowned the favourite visitor destination in the North-west.

The city has been shortlisted for the top regional tourism award after a recent survey by the North West Tourist Board asked people where they would like to spend a day out. The top four answers were: Manchester, Blackpool, Chester and Liverpool.

The decision will be announced at an awards evening at the Manchester Airport Radisson SAS Hotel on September 26.