Rural communities across the UK are being urged to back their local high streets by entering them into the Great British High Street Awards 2018.

Tun by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the awards recognise and celebrate local achievements on high streets, supporting the communities they serve.

The Great British High Street awards will also champion ‘Rising Stars’ – the most ambitious high streets which are taking a lead and working together to revive, adapt and diversify.

By shining a light on great examples of how high streets can meet the challenges of changing consumer behaviour, the awards will provide all communities with top tips for success.

Communities secretary James Brokenshire said: "The Great British High Street Awards acknowledge how vital high streets are to our nation.

"They are crucial in creating jobs, nurturing small businesses and driving local and regional economies.

"We want to celebrate the best examples of high streets, as well as those individual businessmen and women playing a leading role."

Mr Brokenshire said the government was committed to ensuring high streets continue to thrive and he was delighted to support this brilliant competition.

The awards, first held in 2014, have been simplified for 2018 with winning high streets to be named in England, Scotland, Wales and for the first time, Northern Ireland.

High Streets Minister Jake Berry said: "The Great British High Streets competition this year will celebrate the creativity of the many businesses in the UK which are providing the shops and services so vital to our economy."

The previous awards were hugely successful, proving the Great British public really cared about the centres of their cities, towns and villages, said Mr Brokenshire.

The 26 shortlisted entries in the Champion High Street category and 12 Rising Stars will be announced in October.

They will then go through to a public vote and be visited by a judging panel made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business.

Britain’s best high street will be announced in November, with the winner receiving a £10,000 cash prize for a local community project.

Winners from each of the remaining nations will receive a £5,000 contribution to a street party or community project.

The awards can be entered here.