THE power of social media will be used to help Leominster's bid to be crowned the ‘rising star’ of Britain’s best high streets.

The North Herefordshire town is one of the first towns to apply for the competition in the rising star category – which recognises areas that are turning fortunes around and individual communities’ efforts to revitalise their local areas.

The town suffered badly during the last recession, seeing the closure of many shops, but it has fought back and is continuing to do so.

Now, it has a strong social media presence and a business group dedicated to showing and promoting what is on offer.

Gaynor Lewin, from the Leominster Business Group, said: "Leominster is Herefordshire’s largest town – a medieval town steeped in history with many historic landmarks attracting visitors.

"Our town centre is very friendly, full of independent businesses, all well stocked with unique products offering personal service.

"Our strong community spirit has inspired our entry, in proactively raising the profile of Leominster. We are working hard to be successful in winning this award so Leominster can get its name recognised as a great place, to live, shop and work."

Now in its third year, the competition celebrates the great work being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets.

Alongside a cash prize of £10,000, Google is offering all category winners a visit from the Digital Garage on Tour – a skills training workshop for retailers and small businesses.

The competition is also looking for individuals to win a ‘high street hero’ award and there is a new 'digital' category to find independent shops using social media to drive footfall to their local high street and support their community.

To support Leominster’s bid to be named ‘rising star’, state why you think the town is great and use the hashtags #GBHighSt and #Leominster2win on social media.

The top three shortlisted will be announced in October.

They will then go through to a public online vote and places will be visited by the Future High Streets Forum judging panel made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business.

  • Tell us what you love about Leominster below and on social media with the hashtags #Leominster2win and #GBHighSt