IT’S official Crickhowell has the best high street in the UK.

The Breconshire town was named the winner of the Government’s Great British High Street Awards 2018, sponsored by Visa.

Judges said the town demonstrated a strong community-based approach to revitalising its high street, winning £15,000 for the local community.

Crickhowell scope the Welsh title and the overall UK crown when the winners were announced at a Lancaster House ceremony, attended by the High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP and representatives from the 37 shortlisted high streets, including seven Welsh high streets.

High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP said: “Congratulations to Crickhowell and to all of the winners and finalists nominated for this year’s Great British High Street Awards.

“Across the whole UK, there’s a real determination from local communities to keep their high street vibrant and strong, and these awards reflect that.”

Crickhowell was nominated for the Champion High Street award by the Corn Exchange a former pub brought by local people to secure independent retail space when a large supermarket planned to move in to the town.

Those behind the Corn Exchange wanted to highlight the town’s range of independent, family-run businesses, as well as the community’s strength. The community’s Totally Locally campaign brought over 100 shops and businesses together to encourage visitors and residents to shop locally.

Speaking at the Great British High Street Awards 2018 ceremony, Dean Christy of Crickhowell Corn Exchange, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be named both the UK’s and Wales’ best high street and hugely grateful to both the Great British High Street Awards and Visa for making this dream come true.

"None of this would have been possible without the ongoing commitment, hard work, dedication and drive of the whole community of Crickhowell High Street and the surrounding area – it’s the people that make our high streets such special places and this award is for you all".

Last month more than 100 local residents and members of various local groups turned out to help clean and spruce up the town ahead of the visit by judges.

Cowbridge High Street, in the Vale of Glamorgan, was announced as Wales’ Rising Star High Street.

Awards judge Hemlata Narasimhan, Head of Merchant Services at Visa Europe, commended the two Welsh communities, and said: “Crickhowell and Cowbridge are fantastic examples of high streets that have made huge strides in transforming themselves and significantly improving the environment for locals and visitors alike."