DETERMINED residents of Chipping Norton have already got their eye on the prize in this year's Great British High Street Awards.

After securing a silver award in the competition in 2015, Chippy is looking to go one better this year with residents already preparing the town in hope of being shortlisted.

Leading the campaign is tourism group Experience Chipping Norton and spokesman Shaun Fagan said the entry had already been submitted.

He said: "Obviously it would be foolish to say I hope we win but I do hope we win.

"We're entering the market town category again but the good news is the competition is splitting it into large and small towns, so we could have less competition.

"It will be the same as last year, if we are shortlisted then we have a judge visit the town and it goes to public vote. But they also have new categories this year too."

The Great British High Street Awards 2015, organised by the Department for Communities and Local Government, had over 230 high streets enter and nearly 200,000 votes for the 21 finalists.

After a fierce Competition, Bishy Road in York was crowned the overall winner.

Chipping Norton was made a finalist in the market town category of the competition, beating 200 other entrants, but just missed the top spot to Helmsley in Yorkshire.

For 2016, as well as the usual seven High Street categories such as coastal town and urban town, this year's contest boasts new ones such as the Rising Star Award - looking for high streets taking their first steps towards turning around their fortunes.

This year will also see a competition section for High Street Heroes - examples of local business owners and store managers that are working hard for their towns and high streets.

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."

Any other towns wishing to apply should do so via thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk before September 9.