HARD working business owners and residents of Chipping Norton say they are immensely proud of the town's achievements in a popular national high street competition, despite the town not bagging the overall top spot.

Chipping Norton was awarded highly commended in the 2015 Great British High Street Awards, missing out on the crown in the Market Town category after rival town Helmsley won instead.

Up against rivals Helmsley in Yorkshire, and Colne in Lancashire, Chipping Norton led the popular vote only a week before polls closed in the national competition, and impressed the judges with its innovation and digital engagement.

Chipping Norton’s winning bid was put together by Experience Chipping Norton (ECN), a volunteer town team.

ECN chairman Shaun Fagan said: "We’re obviously disappointed as we worked so hard and were so close to winning Market Town of the Year. But reaching the shortlist and being highly commended in our category is a huge achievement which will give us confidence to take our town forward and keep striving to improve our business and community life.

"A big thank-you to our ECN members and volunteers along with all the local residents and traders who voted for us and supported our campaign."

Award winners were announced at a ceremony at Pall Mall’s Admiralty House today, attended by representatives from all shortlisted town teams.

Bishy Road, York was announced as the Great British High Street "winner of winners" being chosen as overall champion from the seven categories; market town, village, city location, town centre, coastal community, local centre and London.

The competition attracted 230 entries from across the UK. A total of 21 finalists - three from each category - were shortlisted to take part in a six-week campaign to attract the highest number of votes on the Great British High Street website.

Each town received a visit from the judges, and were given two hours to show off their achievements.