Communities in Chester and Cheshire West are being invited to battle it out for the honour of being names Britain’s greatest high street.

Nominations are now open for the 2016 Great British High Street Competition, a celebration of the brilliant work being done to revive and diversify high street offerings across England, Wales and Scotland.

Faulkner Street in Hoole won Best Newcomer – a category created especially for it – last year, after making the three-strong shortlist for Best Local Centre.

Now High Streets Minister Marcus Jones is calling on cities to enter to be in with a chance of winning £10,000 for their local high street.

“With a record number of entries and 200,000 public votes cast, last year’s competition was a massive success,” he said.

“This year’s Great British High Streets Competition is going to be even bigger and better, with new categories and a simplified entry form.

“I’d urge everyone to get involved to showcase the hard work of your community in keeping high streets the life and soul of our towns, villages and cities.”

Awards up for grabs are Best City Centre High Street, Best Town Centre High Street, Best Small Market Town High Street, Best Large Market Town High Street, Best Coastal Community High Street, Best Village High Street, Best Local Centre (precinct or parade of shops), Best London High Street and Rising Star – to recognise towns who are turning their fortunes around.

The four competition categories for individuals are Best Store Manager or Employee from a National Retailer or Organisation, Best Store Manager or Employee from an Independent or Small Business, Best Market Manager, Operator, Farmer or Trader and Best Under 25-year-old Manager or Employee from a High Street Business.

The deadline for entries is September 9.

The top three shortlisted in each category will be announced in October, and will then go through to a public online vote and be visited by the Future High Streets Forum judging panel made up of industry leaders from retail, property and business sectors.

For information about how to enter, click here .