A market town has been praised for retaining its individuality and not falling into the trap of becoming a “clone” town.

Skipton, which in 2009 won the nationwide Great Street of the Year competition, shows it is bucking the trend in a new report, Clone Town Britain, compiled by the independent think-tank New Economic Foundation.

It wins special mention for the way local business and the community work together for the good of the town’s economy.

Special praise goes to the way it has become a Business Improvement District in which businesses pay an extra one per cent on their rates to stimulate the economy.

The Town Council gets special mention for its work in promoting Skipton as a tourist destination and expanding traditional festivals and seasonal markets.

And all three local authorities – Craven Council, the town council and North Yorkshire County Council – win approval for the way they work together.

Dave Parker, the town council’s chief officer, who was interviewed for the report, said: “This is good news again for Skipton.

“I must stress that this is about partnership, working with various organisations to reach the same ends.

“It brings in about £120,000 a year and helps finance a number of things including the town ambassador scheme in which we have people in high visibility jackets promoting the town, helping tourists and looking out for litter and grafitti.”

The report reveals that 41 per cent of UK towns are “clone towns” and a further 23 per cent are on the verge of becoming clone towns.

Only 36 per cent of the high streets surveyed retain their distinctive character, with more than two thirds of their shops being independents.

Paul Squires, the co-author of the report said: “The towns most dependent on the big chains and out-of-town stores have proven to be most vulnerable to the economic crisis.

“But it’s not all doom and gloom. We found many towns that are thriving with initiatives to retain local diversity.”