A top British Minister has launched a drive to have Bermuda's old capital recognised as one of the historical "wonders of the world'' by the United Nations.

British Culture Minister Chris Smith singled out the old town of St. George as one of only 32 proposed World Heritage Sites from the UK and its Overseas Territories put forward for consideration by the UN.

Mr. Smith said: "I want to see our outstanding sites achieve the international recognition they deserve and I want to ensure that they are cared for and presented to people in the best way possible.'' He added: "It was felt that emphasis should be given to the UK's industrial heritage and global influence.'' Last night Mayor of St. George Lois Perinchief welcomed the UK's backing for the Bermuda town to be recognised as a unique site.

She said: "We've been trying to get St. George's listed among the World Heritage Sites -- this is great news and can only bolster our case.

"If this comes off, people will really begin to hear about it and want to visit it, which is what we've been trying to do all this time, get people to realise what a jewel we have here.

"I'm very glad to hear this -- it's terrific news and can only be good for St. George's.'' St. George's is listed among architectural and engineering marvels like the cast iron Victorian bridge over the River Forth in Scotland and the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, London.

Also included in the UK wishlist is the New Forest, Hampshire, England, the Lake District in Cumbria and the Victorian city centre of Liverpool.

The only other Overseas Territories sites to make it on to the list are the Fortress in Gibraltar, off Spain, and the Fountain Cavern in Anguilla.

The list of suggestions is part of a move away from palaces, cathedrals and famous cities -- currently seen as over-represented on the UN list.

Mr. Smith will now open the list to public debate, then forward it to the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) in the hope they will back all or some of the choices.

A UN listing means protection by the UN from development -- and can also lead to financial support to help improve listed areas.

The UK already has 17 sites with UN protection, including the ancient monument of Stonehenge and the mediaeval Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.

The area which would become St. George's was the first landfall of Sir George Somers, who claimed the Island for the British Crown in 1609.

It is the oldest continuously inhabited English-speaking settlement in the New World.