A NORTH-EAST town centre is in the running to be named a ‘rising star’ after being shortlisted for a national award.

Stockton High Street was one of 900 entries submitted for 14 categories in the third annual Great British High Street competition. Now the public has the chance to vote directly for their best-loved high street online.

If it wins, the High Street will get a share of a £100,000 prize pot as well as expert training from Google’s digital taskforce for its shops, bars and restaurants and a trip to Twitter UK’s London office to further boost their social media skills.

Janice Auton, chairwoman of the Stockton Business Improvement District (BID), said: “This is really the icing on the cake and recognises the great things happening in Stockton following the regeneration of the High Street – for example, we’ve got the fantastic new fountains and the Stockton Flyer automaton which are proving to be very popular.

“The recent establishment of the BID shows that both high street chains and independent retailers are serious about working together to ensure Stockton Town Centre has a promising and vibrant future.”

The contest celebrates the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets.

High Streets Minister Andrew Percy, said: “Our high streets are the life and soul of towns, villages and cities across the country and the record number of competition entries, this year is proof of their continued importance to local life.”

The leader of Stockton Borough Council, Councillor Bob Cook, added: “We’re proud that Stockton High Street has been shortlisted as one of Britain’s best high streets and we hope this will be a real boost for the town.

“We’re going to be pulling out all the stops to make sure local people know about the High Street’s shortlisting. Now we just need everyone to show their support and get voting.”

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham praised the work of the council to redevelop the town centre, adding: “I have always seen our High Street very much as a developing place for now and the future and it is a great accolade to everyone involved even to reach the final of these awards.

“Their hard work redeveloping the town centre, working in partnership with businesses, developers, arts organisations and the wider community is an example to towns and cities across the country and it is paying off.”

Voting is open until November at www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk