LOCAL traders are being urged to apply for their chance to shine in The Great British High Streets Awards 2015.

Now in their second year, the awards celebrate local retail groups up and down the country who are working together to support their high streets and make them even better places to shop and socialise.

This year, not only will the entrants vie for the best in category awards, but they will also benefit from a share of an £80,000 prize pot. Additionally, up to 100 retailers in each of the seven winning locations will be given training on how to make the most of their digital skills from experts at internet giant Google.

Cllr Chris Hancock, Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Partnerships at Cotswold District Council, is hoping that traders in Cotswold market towns will rise to the challenge. He said: “Local residents and visitors are full of praise for the service levels they receive and the variety of options available to them when they shop on the high streets across the District. The traders deserve some official recognition for the great job that they do, including the support they provide at many special events and celebrations, some of which they even organise.

“Recognition at the Great British High Streets Awards would be a fitting reward for their efforts and there is also a chance to improve internet skills as well. I’m also confident that we have strong contenders for the special ‘Rising Stars’ prize which honours local people who have made an invaluable personal contribution to their local high streets.”

Nominations for this year’s awards will run until 1 September then entries will be judged by members of the Future High Streets Forum, drawn from industry leaders from across retail, property and business. They will be looking for the nation’s best high streets across seven categories:

? best city centre high street

? best town centre high street

? best market town high street

? best coastal community high street

? best village high street

? best parade of shops

? best London high street

They will shortlist 21 finalists and the public can then vote directly for their best-loved high street online.

All entrants to this year’s awards will also receive a competition pack filled with helpful top tips to promote their entry alongside banners, logos and posters.

For more details see www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk