RAMSBOTTOM’S high street is in the running to be named among the best in the country after entering the Great British High Street (GBHS) Awards.

Should the bid successful, it would be another feather in the cap for the thriving town, which is winning acclaim far and wide.

Two weeks ago, The Guardian was the latest to rave about the place, saying simply “Let’s move to Ramsbottom: the town is a delight”.

Run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, the GBHS Awards highlights ways in which high streets are overcoming the challenges of a rapidly changing environment.

Successful entrants can win up to £10,000 for their local community, and local businesses and consumers can participate in a Visa GBHS Spend & Win Competition, which rewards the people that make our high streets special.

In 2013, the town finished joint runner-up in the Daily Telegraph’s Reinventing the High Street campaign, and those behind this year's bid are hoping they can go one better this time.

Steven White, chair of Ramsbottom Business Group, said: “Our high street is a vital part of our community and makes an important contribution to the local economy, enabling people to shop locally in a wide variety of independent shops and supporting an ever growing programme of events including artisan markets, an award-winning chocolate festival plus the famous World Black Pudding Throwing Championships.

“This competition is searching for the very best ideas, innovation and creativity which is great news for our town and we hope that with everyone’s support we can improve on our runners-up place in 2013.”

Winners will be named in each of the four UK nations in two categories: the Champion High Street, for the nation’s best high streets; and the Rising Star High Street category, which will recognise the nation’s most ambitious high streets, which are taking the lead and working together to revive, adapt and diversify.

An overall High Street of the Year in Great Britain and Northern Ireland will also be named.

Shortlisted finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony in London in November, celebrating the high streets that are succeeding and influencing change.

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “Ramsbottom’s fame as a great place to live is spreading far and wide.

“We are delighted to support Ramsbottom Business Group with their application and look forward to working with all concerned to continue the success story of Ramsbottom.”

Ramsbottom councillor Kevin Thomas said: “Ramsbottom is a brilliant place to shop and socialise and it’s great to see it entered into this competition. We have a high street that is the envy of Greater Manchester and is only going to become stronger.”

Bury North MP James Frith has also backed Ramsbottom’s bid.

He said: “Ramsbottom’s vibrant retail and leisure offer on and around Bridge Street is at the heart of our town and I am delighted that the Ramsbottom business group are entering the Great British High Street awards so that the fantastic efforts of our community can be recognised at a national level.”