Folkestone is in the running to be named as having the best coastal high street in the country, it was announced today.

It is up against Blyth in Northumberland and Colwyn Bay in north Wales as part of the Great British High Street Awards.

The town is praised for "adapting to meet the changing demands of consumers for convenience shopping" and for the town sprucer scheme set up in May last year which has had "a huge impact on the look and feel of a local area".

The competition is run in partnership with the government's Department for Communities and Local Government with the Future High Street Forum.

In total, 135 towns and cities submitted entries with Folkestone being included as one of 21 to make the shortlist.

A member of the judging panel will now visit the town before the winners in each section are announced in a month's time.

The winners will receive a share of the £50,000 prize.

The awards are divided into seven categories including coastal, market town, city, village, local parade, town centre and London.

In its listing the town is also praised for bringing up Folkestone's 'visitor experience' by improving the appearance of the town from "graffiti, rubbish, loose paving slabs or stones, damaged bollards, poor maintenance of damaged railings and flower beds, and businesses not looking after their shop fronts, gardens, or the rear of their premises" which made the town "look very run down".

DCLG minister Penny Mordaunt MP, who visited the town last week to see the progress on the seafront redevelopment, said: "There is a real sense of momentum behind our high streets.

"I’m determined that the hard work of people who have strived to make their high streets great places to work, shop and live is not only recognised but shared with others so they too can learn valuable tips for success.

“We have seen a lot of enthusiasm for this competition and I’ve heard first hand on my tour on high streets around the country how proud people are of their streets and the value they place on them as an essential part of their community.”

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