ELECTION '97 : Britons have designs on euro

Britons will be able to have a say in the design of the new euro coins, due in circulation in 2002. A "representative cross-section" of citizens in European Union member states will pass judgement on the shortlist of nine possible options before Europe's finance ministers make a final decision on the shape, size and colour of the coin.

Behind the move is recognition of the fact that EU ministers cannot agree about the eight planned denominations of the new coins.