FRESH from its success in the In Bloom awards, Richmond is once again celebrating after making the shortlist of the Great British High Street Awards.

It is the first time that the town has entered the national awards which recognise innovation and excellence on Britain's high streets.

Marcia McLuckie, chair of the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association, spearheaded the entry and said it was thanks to all the hard-working business people and volunteers in the the town that it made the shortlist.

She added: "I think it will be a very close call, I'm sure that everybody is going all out to win it.

"I would love for us to win it - there is a £10,000 prize for the town if we did so that would be wonderful."

Ms McLuckie believes that Richmond made the shortlist thanks to its variety of unique festivals and promotions such as Love Being Local, Richmond Town Ticket and the October Loyalty Promotion as well as the Walking and Books Festival and GeorgeFest.

The high street awards are run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and there are three categories.

Richmond is in the 'Champion Award' final, pitting it against the likes of Avenue 77 in Glasgow and Worcester High Street.

The winner will be judged partially on their use of social media to promote their town, but mostly via the feedback from a visit from the awards judges.

Richmond is set to welcome the judges on October 17.