A COALITION of traders who united to battle the decline of high streets have been hailed for their innovative strategies after being named Britain's best market town centre.

Tourist hotspot Helmsley, in North Yorkshire, overcame competition from 230 shopping areas to win one of the seven categories in the Great British High Street Awards, while Bishopthorpe Road, in York landed the overall and local centre titles and Amble, in Northumberland, the coastal community award.

At a ceremony at Admiralty House, in London, high streets minister Marcus Jones and Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake said business owners in Helmsley deserved "the very highest praise" for their efforts to attract visitors while also catering for residents.

Mr Jones added: “Their innovative ideas and hard work on the ground really made them stand out and we’ll be sharing their excellent example to help others learn from their success.”

The winners were picked following an inspection by the Future High Streets Forum and nearly 200,000 public votes being cast.

Judges were impressed by the by the independent spirit of the town, the range of events held throughout year such as the popular Christmas tree festival, but also the number held to counteract seasonality.

They also highlighted the innovative schemes such as its motorhome parking project, which has brought a regular flow of tourists to the town to support the evening economy and strong promotional work.

Helmsley will receive a share of a prize pot worth £80,000 – alongside expert training and tailor-made tips from Google’s training taskforce for one hundred shops, bars and restaurants.

Carolyn Frank, who led the town's bid, said the accolade recognised the Helmsley in Business group's drive to adapt to the way people’s lives are changing.

She said: “This victory means the world to the local community and we’ll be sure to use it as a springboard to do even more."

Judges said the passion and community spirit displayed by traders on Bishopthorpe Road, alongside its innovative app and street parties, had seen it stand head and shoulders above every other high street.

Johnny Hayes, chairman of Bishy Road Trader’s Association, said: "We are absolutely bowled over. To win in our category of Best Local Parade of Shops was delightful but for Bishy Road to be named GB High Street of the Year is staggering.”

Julia Aston, of Amble Development Trust, said: “Winning the Great British High Street Awards is a fantastic achievement. All high streets have to adapt to a changing environment and we’ve been no different."