SIX villages and market towns have been shortlisted in a competition to find Britain's best High Streets.

In total, some 21 finalists across seven categories will battle it out in a public vote to be crowned winner of the Great British High Streets competition.

Winners in each category will get a share of a prize pot worth £80,000, which includes expert training and tailor-made tips for 100 of their shops, bars and restaurants.

The government-backed Great British High Street Competition 2015 is sponsored by Boots, Costa, Post Office, Marks and Spencer and Tesco.

Now in its second year, the competition is one of a number of initiatives to help champion high streets as the cornerstones of the community.

High streets minister Marcus Jones said: "We had a record amount of high-quality entries to this year's competition – testament to the pride local people have and brilliant work being done to boost Britain's high streets."

The local high street was the life and soul of many towns, villages and cities across the country, said Mr Jones.

He added: "These awards are a great opportunity to not only celebrate those that are the best of the best, but also to help others learn their valuable tips for success.

"If you cherish the hard work going on in your local high street, then show your support and get voting.

The top three finalists in from the market towns and village categories are:

Market Town
Chipping Norton
Helmsley
Colne

Village
Brigg, Lincolnshire
Twyford, Berkshire
West Kilbride, North Ayrshire

This year's competition saw a record 230 applicants and now, for the first time, the public has the chance to vote directly for their best-loved high street online.

Members of the public can cast their vote at the Great British High Street webpage or on Facebook. People are also being encouraged to follow @TheGBHighSt on Twitter.

The first Great British High Street competition last year saw 135 communities battle it out to be crowned the nation's best.

The overall winner in 2014 was Belper, Derbyshire.

Belper 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 towns will also be inspected by the Future High Streets Forum judging panel – made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business.

This year's competition also sees special recognition awards to people or places that have made an invaluable contribution to their local high streets.

Voting closes in November.