Dorset Council has backed a bid by Dorchester for city status as part of the Queen's 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Town councillors had argued that the status would reflect Dorchester's importance as county town and the growth it has seen in recent years, the refurbishment of Dorset Museum and the revamp of the Shire Hall as a new tourist attraction – as well as developments such as Brewery Square.

Its bid for the status has now been backed by Dorset Council which will forward the application.

Unitary council leader Cllr Spencer Flower said he thought the bid document a good one.

The town last applied for city status a decade ago, but was not selected.

Said Cllr Stella Jones at the town council meeting which backed the latest bid: "Ten or 11 years ago we were not thought good enough, but we've got bigger and better since then…it would be good for tourism if we had city status," she said.

The bids for city status were announced by the Cabinet Office as part of the celebrations to mark the Queen's 70th year as monarch. The city status competition is open both to towns and distinct areas. Senior councillors in neighbouring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are said to also be considering a bid.

Each application will have to make a case why they deserve the special status with applications due to close in December with recommendations on which will succeed being made to the Queen by government ministers.

Dorchester's application makes much of its history, mentioning how the Romans made it one of only 13 Civitas in Britain; the role of the town in the Monmouth Rebellion; the connection with the Tolpuddle Martys andThomas Hardy and having an elected mayor since 1629.

Said the application paper: "This unique blend of history of national importance, continuing commercial and administrative functions and a wide rural hinterland for over 2000 years, a diverse and active cultural and leisure offer make Dorchester the ideal candidate to be the oldest "new" and growing city in the 21st century."

The title comes with no additional powers and is in name only.

In 2012, when applications were last sought, one candidate was selected from each of the four nations – Chelmsford, Perth in Scotland, St Asaph in Wales and Armagh in Northern Ireland.