LIVERPOOL-BORN Culture Secretary Andy Burnham has said it is vital investment in culture is maintained, even more so in tough economic times.

Mr Burnham was praised for the quality of his speech givenIn a speech at Liverpool University last night, he outlined the lessons to be learned from the city’s tenure as Capital of Culture and announced plans for a permanent British Capital of Culture prize.

The talk ,followed by a panel discussion, was something Mr Burnham said he wanted to give a formal lecture so he could to go on the record with his response to Liverpool’s efforts in 2008, which he said had "done this country proud".

Continuing to invest in culture would have a wider implication for policy across Britain to improve regeneration, education, skills and the new economy, he said.

Speaking on his 39th birthday, with his parents, friends and party colleagues among the audience, he unveiled formative plans for a permanent British Capital of Culture award to be bestowed to a different city every four years.

"There will be many verdicts on Liverpool ’08," Mr Burnham said.

"But let me tonight give you the official Government one – Liverpool has risen to the challenge, exceeded all expectations."

The idea of a permanent British Capital of Culture came from Culture supremo Phil Redmond, and Mr Burnham took the opportunity to invite Prof Redmond to chair a feasibility study into the scheme.

It is already being mooted that the winning city will be able to host events usually confined to London, such as the Turner Prize and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

"By receiving national recognition as a city of culture, every city in the UK could be given an opportunity to bring out the creative skills, talent and enthusiasm of its people," Mr Burnham said.