LEOMINSTER has been named as one of the country’s best high streets by being shortlisted in the third annual Great British High Street competition.

The North Herefordshire market town has been named alongside Dornoch and Stockton on Tees as one of the top three in the competition's Rising Star category.

Now, to be crowned champion, Leominster needs your votes.

This year’s competition saw a record 900 entries across all 14 categories, including the new categories for individuals and shops.

Now the shortlist has been drawn up and the public has the chance to vote directly for their best-loved high street online.

Between now and November you can cast your vote for free via thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk , a link has also been set up direct from our Facebook promotions page @shoppinginleominsterhr6

If Leominster wins, not only will the town get a share of a prize pot worth £100,000, traders will win expert training from Google’s digital taskforce for shops, bars and restaurants and a trip to Twitter UK’s London office to further boost their social media skills.

The Great British High Street Competition 2016 celebrates the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets. It is one of a number of initiatives to help champion high streets as the cornerstones of the community.

The Government is helping local business communities adapt to the changing face of high streets, with a £6.7 billion package of business rates support, to cut the rates for 900,000 businesses – with 600,000 now paying none at all.

The second Great British High Street competition last year saw 230 entries and attracted over 200,000 public votes, with Bishy Road in York, a former finalist, crowned Britain’s best. Bishy Road found that winning not only boosted town pride, but also had a tangible economic impact with retailers reporting increased footfall.

Gaynor Lewin, from Leominster Business Group, said: "I am so excited at the announcement of Leominster shortlisting for the GBHighst Awards rising star category.

"This really is fabulous news for Leominster. Our entry was submitted as an initiative from Leominster Business Group who have worked very hard and fast, engaging customers and bringing together the Leominster community, in what has been a very exciting and fun process.

"There is huge excitement and an electrifying atmosphere on our High Street at this fantastic news."

The group's Facebook page @ShoppinginLeominsterHR6 and Twitter handle @ShopLeominster is hitting record high reaches and support for Leominster's entry is coming in from surrounding towns.

People are being urged to vote every day for 30 days to help Leominster be crowned Rising Star Town 2016.

"This really is the best thing that has ever happened for Leominster retailers. Leominster is home to some 60+ independent retailers plus many superb independent specialist companies.

"We are a large Medieval town with many tourist attractions, famous for our antiques trade, including the Brightwells auction rooms.

"Our trade community is pulling together and our customers and visitors are noticing us more.

"This has all happened in a period of only three months and I urge other forgotten towns to recognise the importance of
being part of the GBHigh Street awards."

To vote, visit http://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/finalist-rising-star