A fantastic community effort in Hoole has paid off as they won big at the Great British High Street awards.
The Chester suburb went one better after finishing an agonising second last year and bagged a share of a £100,000 prize pot.
It can now lay claim to being the Best Local Centre in the country.
Hoole had faced opposition from The Parade in Claygate, Surrey, and The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells.
Community group Notting Hoole have been the driving force behind the bid, with huge support through a public vote.
Chester Beer and Wine owner and Notting Hoole committee member Samantha Jackson said: “We worked for two years to get this far, we put our heart and soul into this competition.
"Long live the high street.”
The prizes were handed out at a ceremony in London today (December 12).
Hoole can add the Best Local Centre gong to the Best Newcomer award which was created especially for it in 2015.
The Great British High Street awards celebrate efforts to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets.
This year’s competition saw a record 900 entries across all 14 categories, including the new categories for individuals and shops.
High streets minister Andrew Percy said: “Hoole deserves the very highest praise for being a category winner in this year’s Great British High Street Awards.
“Hoole returned to this year’s competition with even more passion, innovation and community spirit.
"We’ll be sharing their excellent example to help others across the country learn from their success.”
Public votes accounted for 50% of the final decision, while judges from shopping centre investor Ellandi made up the other half.
Hoole have faced a nervous wait since hosting the judges in early November.
Judge Jaya Relwani said: "Since last year Hoole has gone from strength to strength.
“The sense of community and collaboration was so impressive that, along with thousands of votes, they really deserved to win.”
On top of £5,000, Hoole will receive expert training from Google’s digital taskforce for shops, bars and restaurants.
The prize also includes a trip to Twitter UK’s London office to boost social media skills.
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