THE market town of Thame is steeped in history and is now in the running to win Britain’s best high street competition.

With an 800-year-old high street, Thame, is bidding to win an award in the market towns category of the Great British High Street Competition, along with a possible prize of £50,000.

Helen Johns, who is co-ordinating the Thame entry, said: “High streets are a vital part of our community and make an important contribution to the economy through the billions of pounds they generate and the thousands of jobs they support in retail, leisure and other businesses.”

The competition assesses a town’s effort to strengthen and improve the facilities and offerings available in the town centre in recent years.

For Thame, this includes activities to increase tourism, such as publicity for long-running hit TV detective series Midsomer Murders, walking trails, and events such as the Thame Food Festival.

Another factor judges could consider is Princess Anne’s visit to Thame in February, when she unveiled a plaque at Market House to celebrate Thame Market’s 800th anniversary.

Other initiatives include the town’s Neighbourhood Plan, which won an award for innovation in 2014.

Ms Johns said: “There’s a renewed buzz on our high streets and this competition is searching for the very best ideas, innovation and creativity.”

In partnership with the Great British High Street Award, Google has announced that it will be offering digital workshops to 100 retailers in each of the seven winning locations.

Retailers will learn how to use social media, develop their websites and get one-to-one advice from Google’s expert technicians.

There is also a new prize for towns which have become ‘rising stars’ or for people who have made a valuable personal contribution to their local high street.

Ms Johns said: “This is great news for Thame and, fingers crossed, our entry will be successful.”

The Great British High Streets competition was set up last year through the Government’s Department for Communities and Local Government and is backed by major sponsors including Boots, M&S, Argos, Costa and the Post Office.

  • For details and to enter, see thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/high-street-of-the-year-award

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, September 1.