4:10pm Monday 8th March 2010
A HISTORIC street lined with 15th century buildings in the region has been crowned as Britain’s most picturesque street.
Voters on the Google Street View Awards competition awarded the title to the Shambles, in York, yesterday.
More than 11,000 people are believed to have voted in the Google website run competition with the Royal Crescent, Bath, coming second and Grey Street, Newcastle, third.
Ian Addyman, Past Images photography shop owner, in the Shambles, said: "The Shambles is a timeless street full of historic charm, and whatever time of year you come here there is something different to see.
"There is a real feeling of community amongst shop owners and I think we all feel privileged to work in such a beautiful place.
"Most people say that if you visit York, then at some point you will walk down Shambles.
"It has been the backdrop for many a jigsaw, chocolate box and railway poster and once you visit you will see why."
Roger Ranson, the City of York Council’s assistant director of economic development and partnerships, said: "The Shambles is a very unique place and it’s good news.
"We are very pleased and clearly even though we get four million visitors a year this is another feather in the cap."
Stonegate, in York, came second in the best fashion street section with Milsom Street, Bath, first and King’s Road, London, third.
Fossgate, in York, was also third in the best food street category.
Google is to work with the winning streets to offer a special on-line guide of them highlighting the points of interest.
Ed Parsons, of Google, said: "The Google Street View Awards are aimed at celebrating the many fantastic streets Britain has to offer.
"The results reveal a diverse cultural landscape of food, fashion and beauty that puts the winning towns firmly on the map."
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