THE Pembrokeshire public are being urged to cast their vote in a national contest to bring glory home to Narberth High Street.

The street, packed full of independent businesses, has been shortlisted in this year's Great British High Street Awards 2018.

It's one of only three in Wales nominated for the competition's Rising Star Award.

Narberth will now enter a public vote battle against Cardigan and Cowbridge, which counts for 30 per cent of the final scoring, and then has to impress an expert judging panel who will visit the contenders in the next six weeks.

Businessman Michael Hughes, whose Tom Hughes shop is in a central position in the High Street, put Narberth's name forward on behalf of the town's Chamber of Trade.

He particularly wanted to highlight the efforts of the local consortium which has bought and will be developing Narberth's old primary school building for the benefit of the community and independent traders.

He said: "Narberth is very important to the Pembrokeshire economy, as the money spent in our independent businesses stays in the community instead of being funnelled outside the area.

"We get people coming to Narberth daily from places like Neath, Port Talbot and the Valleys, and they are here to spend money in our shops.

"We now need the help of Pembrokeshire people to vote for Narberth".

Added Pembrokeshire County Council's cabinet member for economy, tourism, leisure and culture, Councillor Paul Miller: "Narberth being shortlisted is a testament to the work and effort put in over a number of years by local businesses and the wider community.

"Narberth is a key Pembrokeshire attraction, and a model of success other small high streets would do well to emulate.

"I wish them every success in the competition."

The awards are being run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and sponsored by Visa.

Narberth has been shortlisted from over 150 applications in the Rising Star category, which aims to find Wales' and the UK's most ambitious high street. It is one of just 12 shortlisted from the whole of the UK in the category.

To cast your vote, go to www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk for more information People can also show their support on social media using #MyHighStreet via TheGBHighSt