Pop Idol favourite Gareth Gates is backing Bradford's bid to become European Capital of Culture 2008.

The rising star added his support to Bradford's campaign to win the top culture title - and urged other people in the city to do the same.

"I am absolutely delighted to be supporting the bid," said 17-year-old Gareth, from East Bowling.

"It would be a fantastic thing for the city to win. It would show Bradford in a really positive light to the rest of the country, and to Europe.

"I'd like to urge all Bradford people to back the bid in any way they can."

Gareth spoke out as it was revealed that Bradford is to send its own good-luck message to him as he prepares for Saturday's show.

A banner featuring the words Good Luck Gareth is to be hung above the steps of City Hall in Centenary Square. Councillor Ann Ozolins (Lib Dem, Idle), who organised the project, said it is a fitting way for the district to send its best wishes. "It has been quite a struggle to get this organised, but it will be worth all the effort," she said. "I am a big fan of Pop Idol and of Gareth in particular, and I think he is doing an incredible job for the image of the city."

Paul Brookes, director of Bradford's Capital of Culture campaign, said: "We think it is absolutely splendid to have his support. Gareth was originally one of the underdogs for Pop Idol and now he is the firm favourite. Bradford may be an underdog at this stage to become Capital of Culture, but we are going to come back and be a firm favourite as well."

Gareth's mum Wendy said he is impressed that Bradford is bidding for the title. "He's got a lot of fans in Bradford and he's always keen to stress his links to the city," said Wendy.

"It means an awful lot to Gareth that Bradford is behind him.

"I keep thinking to myself that we could have a very famous kid here, and that he's from Bradford. It would be wonderful if he could bring the Pop Idol title back for the city."

Gareth, who is being backed by the Telegraph & Argus in his bid for stardom, will compete against Will Young and Darius Danesh in the show on ITV1 on Saturday night. The Pop Idol wannabes were today in Dublin as they continued preparations for the show.

On Saturday the contestants will sing songs specially selected by the panel of Pop Idol judges.