LUDLOW MP Philip Dunne is encouraging entries to the High Street Awards which is being backed by internet giant Google.

The winners have the cachet of being best in category but they will also benefit from a share of an £80,000 prize pot.

Up to 100 retailers in each of the seven winning locations will be given training, courtesy of internet giant Google on how to make the most of their digital skills from their experts.

This year a new special prize has also been launched for towns which have become ‘rising stars’ or for local people who have made an invaluable personal contribution to their local high streets.

“This competition offers a great chance for south Shropshire’s towns to show off our distinctive high streets, which will help encourage visitors, as well as the potential to win a prize, including training from Google,” said Mr Dunne.

“High streets across the county are benefiting from the economic recovery, with 26 consecutive months of retail sales growth and the longest period of sustained year-on-year growth since May 2008.

“Nominations for this year’s awards have been extended until September 1. So I hope to see Shropshire strongly represented in these awards.”

Judges from the Future High Streets Forum, made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business, will be looking for the nation’s best high streets across seven categories, of which two would be relevant to south Shropshire’s High Streets: best market town high street, and best village high street."

Three finalists will be selected for each category then the public will have the chance to vote directly for their best-loved high street online.

For more details see www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk and follow the competition on twitter @TheGBHighSt.