BUSINESS communities are being urged to try to emulate Taunton's historic Bath Place in a nationwide competition.

Entries are now open for the Government-backed Great British High Street contest.

Bath Place was judged a runner up in the local centre category last year and will be hoping to go one better this time round.

Somerset County Gazette:

Cllr Mark Edwards, Taunton Deane Borough Council's member for business development, said: "Bath Place was incredibly successful last year so I am hoping that more streets in Taunton Deane will follow the example of the Bath Place Traders Association and come forward.

“We have some really great streets in our area – I hope that we have entries from Taunton and further afield – Wellington and Wiveliscombe both offer something special.

“It’s easy to enter and we, as a council, will be glad to support and promote those enterprising enough to have a go.”

New categories in the Great British High Street this year include the Rising Star award to recognise high streets that are taking their first steps in turning around their fortunes.

Other new categories aim to seek out High Street Heroes - examples of local business owners and store managers that are working hard for their towns and high streets.

Once entries are shortlisted, the public is asked to vote for their favourite.

Somerset County Gazette:

High Streets Minister Marcus Jones said: “With a record number of entries and 200,000 public votes cast, last year’s competition was a massive success.

"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.”

The deadline for entries is September - for more details visit thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk