THE government-backed Great British High Street competition has revealed the nation's best high streets.

Twenty-seven finalists now have the chance to impress an expert judging panel and battle it out in a public vote to be crowned Britain's best.

They include the villages of Langport, Kirkby Lonsdale, Pateley Bridge; and the rural market towns of Thame, Chipping Norton, Hebden Bridge.

Winners in each category will share of prize pot worth £100,000 and expert training from Google and Twitter to help boost local businesses and their social media skills.

High Streets Minister Andrew Percy said Britain's high streets remain the life and soul of towns, villages and cities across the country

He added: "The record number of competition entries this year is proof of their continued importance to local life.

There are bustling high streets up and down the country from North London to Northumberland and now is the time you can show support for your local area and get voting.

The finalists are:

* City: Derby, Norwich, Bristol
* Coastal: Prestatyn, Falmouth, Cleethorpes
* Local Centre: Hoole, Tunbridge Wells, Claygate
* London: Romford, Lower Marsh Waterloo, Myddleton Road Haringey
* Market Town (small): Thame, Chipping Norton, Hebden Bridge
* Market Town (large): Hinckley, Market Harborough, Bridgnorth
* Town Centre: Hemel Hempstead, Banbury, Blackburn
* Village: Langport, Kirkby Lonsdale, Pateley Bridge
* Rising Star: Dornoch, Stockton-on-Tees, Leominster

The Great British High Street Competition 2016 celebrates the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation's high streets.

It is one of a number of initiatives to help champion high streets as the cornerstones of the community.

Mr Percy said the government was helping local business communities adapt to the changing face of high streets, with a £6.7 billion package of business rates support.

This would cut the rates for 900,000 businesses – with 600,000 now paying none at all.

The second Great British High Street competition last year saw 230 entries.

The winning High Street – Bishy Road in York – found that winning not only boosted town pride, but also had a tangible economic impact with retailers reporting increased footfall.

Alongside the public's votes shortlisted areas will also be inspected by judges made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business

To cast your vote, visit thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk.