ALCESTER High Street has received a ‘Rising Star’ award after taking part in a national competition to find the best high streets in Britain.

After losing out on the final, Alcester, along with nine other high streets, was honoured with the special award and £1,000 cash.

Judges in a national competition ranked Alcester among the country’s 30 top high streets - one of only three in the Midlands to receive recognition.

It was praised for its bustling Artisan Market, regular street parties and many independent stores.

Chairman of Chamber of Trade and Commerce Sarah Bassett said: “We’re immensely proud of being recognised as a High Street on the up and we hope this will be a real boost for Alcester.

“The work that went into securing the Great British High Street bid by Alcester Community Trust and Alcester Chamber of Trade and Commerce was vast and this award is testament to the strength and passion of our community.

“We’ll use this Rising Star award to spur us on and to win next year’s competition.”

Alcester town councillor Mike Gittus, who is also a county councillor, said: "Over the last six years we have made a considerable investment in safe pedestrian access, improved footways and highway surfacing in the town.

“The High Street is the beating heart of any market town, and Alcester has a large heart reaching out to feed the wider community of Warwickshire"

High Streets minister Marcus Jones added: “We had a record amount of high-quality entries to this year’s competition –testament to the pride local people have and brilliant work being done to boost Britain’s high streets.

“The local high street is the life and soul of many towns, villages and cities across the country and these awards are a great opportunity to not only celebrate those that are the best of the best, but also to help others learn their valuable tips for success.”

The competition, run by the Department for Communities and Local Government, is now in its second year and is one of a number of initiatives to help champion High Streets.