ONE dedicated individual who took his hometown to the top three of the Great British High Street awards has been rewarded for his efforts.

Chairman of tourism group Experience Chipping Norton Shaun Fagan has been praised by High Streets Minister Marcus Jones for his efforts to make his town a better place to live, work and socialise.

Mr Fagan said: "This award would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of so many people who helped us showcase everything Chipping Norton has to offer on our digital platform.

"There's so much more we can do by using new technology to put every high street in the country back on the map."

The Chippy man is one of 13 individuals, ideas and schemes across the country to receive a Special Recognition award as part of the Great British High Street Awards.

The award was introduced to focus on individuals and organisations making a real difference to high streets.

In 2015, Chippy was shortlisted to the top three of the market town category in the Great British High Street awards, but was just beaten by Helmsley.

A record number of 230 high streets entered the competition and nearly 200,000 votes were cast across the seven award categories.

Mr Fagan was praised for developing a mobile phone app showing the best of the town and also the hashtag #ChippyHour.

High Street Minister Marcus Jones said: "High streets are the life and soul of cities, towns and villages across the country, but they rely greatly on the support they receive from an army of businesses, traders and volunteers.

"You and the other Special Recognition award winners are fantastic examples of the people that give their all - day in and day out - to make our communities better places to live, work and socialise.

"I’d like to commend you for your fantastic contribution and thank you for all your hard work."

Mr Fagan has already said Chipping Norton will be entering the high street awards for 2016.