ANDOVER High Street has been named one of the best in the Britain, for the second year running.

Andover once again featured in the top five high streets in the large market town category of this year's Great British High Street competition.

The town finished fourth behind Bridgnorth in Shropshire, and Hinckley and Market Harborough, both in Leicestershire.

The three towns will battle it out in a public vote to be named Britain's best high street.

It is the second consecutive year that Andover has featured on the list, after appearing alongside the likes of Altrincham, Tamworth, and last year's winner Rotherham in the 2015 awards.

Andover is the only town to return to the top five in this year's list.

Town centre manager, Chris Gregory, was thrilled with the result.

He said:"We are delighted because after last year we didn't think for one minute we would get in the top five again.

"I think it is a testament to all of the hard work that businesses and other people put into the town.

"We are very flattered.

The Great British High Street competition is run by the Department for Communities and Local Government as a way of championing high streets as the "cornerstones of a community".

Over 900 entries were submitted across the 14 categories this year - nearly five times more than were submitted in 2016.

High Streets Minister, Andrew Percy MP, said: “Andover demonstrated many of the things we were looking for: a commitment to revitalising the high street as a unique place for living, working and shopping.

“Andover just missed out on the public vote this year but can take great pride in reaching the final 5 and being named one of Britain’s best high streets.”