An official in Liverpool has deemed the city's year as European Capital of Culture a success.

Jim Gill, chief executive of regeneration agency Liverpool Vision, said the image of the region has been transformed over the last 12 months.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said the city's standing has been improved among those who once propagated lazy stereotypes.

Mr Gill commented: "I do not think Capital of Culture has been anything else other than a success.

"Our economy is a very different place now than it was a year or two ago."

He added that visitor numbers have exceeded expectations and led to lots of extra business being brought into the city.

Liverpool's Capital of Culture year began with ex-Beatle Ringo Starr performing live on top of St George's Hall.

The city later attracted worldwide media coverage when Sir Paul McCartney performed live at Anfield in June.