A BID for Chipping Sodbury high street to be crowned the best in Britain has begun.

The town is seeking to win its maiden award in the Great British High Street awards, a competition run by the Department for Local Government and Communities.

Having entered a number of times in the past, campaign organisers are confident this can be their year with a considerable increase in backing from the community.

On Tuesday, members of the Sodbury Chamber of Commerce, Sodbury and Yate Business Association members, Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, businesses, residents and an array of town representatives came together on Tuesday morning to launch the campaign.

Joanne Cox, chairman of the Sodbury Chamber of Commerce, said: “How many towns can show a strong community bring 2,500 residents together on a bank holiday in June to celebrate the Queen’s birthday on the high street, or boast that 80 per cent of the businesses there are made up of independent shops?

“Chipping Sodbury is beautiful town, and with the diverse events we hold on our high street throughout the year, and our great shops, we definitely have a strong bid to win a Great British High Street award.”

Mr Hall added: “This year’s bid has been met with such enthusiasm from everyone in Sodbury, with everyone coming together for the town. It is a first class submission and I really do hope the town gets shortlisted as it really does deserve it.”

Following the submission of a 1,000 word application by Ms Cox, Mr Hall and Boundary Magazine editor Angie Lane, members of the community are now being asked to show their support.

With previous winners of the award having been boosted by online branches of their campaigns, the town is pushing people to take to social media to share their activities and promote what they love about the street.

To get involved and show support for the bid, post a picture on Twitter and use the hashtags #GBHighStreet and #ChippingSodbury whenever you are shopping on the high street or joining in on one of the many activities in the area.

You can also post pictures on the Visit Chipping Sodbury Facebook page from any of the events on the high street, including festivals, the classic car run, mop fair, squirrel search, sportive and Tour of Britain.