NORTHWICH has been shortlisted for the Great British High Street Awards 2018.

Sponsored by Visa, the awards celebrate the UK's most ambitious high streets, with Northwich shortlisted in the 'rising star' category.

Whittled down from 150 nominations, Northwich is one of just 12 candidates left in the running, all of whom will battle it out in the public vote.

Northwich BID manager Jane Hough: “We were delighted when we heard the news that Northwich had been shortlisted for the ‘Rising Star' Award 2018.

“Since receiving the yes vote in 2014, we have aspired to develop the town centre as a place that provides multiple uses across retail, leisure and entertainment and have consistently delivered a series of events, activities and initiatives to help promote Northwich and make it the go-to destination in Mid Cheshire.

“We have many exciting plans and projects for the future too including the one-day Now Northwich Festival in October and the 2018 Northwich Christmas Extravaganza which are both set to attract visitors to the town from far and wide.

“We will also continue to work with the community, businesses and local organisations , as we have already done for many projects, as it really helps build a great spirit throughout the town.”

The Northwich BID entry came after Visa research showed a renewed confidence in the country's high streets.

High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP said: “Congratulations to Northwich High Street on being shortlisted as one of the UK’s most ambitious high streets in this year’s Great British High Street Awards.

“The awards celebrate the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets and the quality of entries this year has been outstanding.

“Over the next six weeks Northwich High Street has the chance to impress an expert judging panel as they also battle it out in a public vote for the title of Britain’s best high street. This is a great opportunity to show your support for the hard work going on in Northwich so get voting.”

Sundeep Kaur, Head of UK & Ireland Merchant Services at Visa, added: “Northwich High Street is a fantastic example of a high street that has made huge strides in transforming itself to offer a range of different experiences for locals and visitors alike.

"In particular, its entry highlighted the work undertaken by the local business improvement district with more than 20 partners to host a number of local events, including the popular Northwich Festival of Arts, to help drive footfall and create a sense of civic pride within the community.

"Our research shows that consumers demand a lot from their high streets, so it is no surprise that Northwich High Street has made the Rising Star category shortlist for its adaptability, resilience and creativity in meeting these demands.”

The winner will be announced on November 15 at an awards ceremony in London.

Prizes include a £5,000 grant towards a community or technology project, and a £10,000 grant for a community project for the overall winner.

Give Northwich your backing by voting here.