Raynes Park High Street has made it to the final of the Great British High Street Competition, with the chance to win a share of a £50,000 cash prize.

According to the Great British High Street website, the judges were “impressed with Raynes Park’s endeavours to ensure local people and businesses have a voice in reshaping their local areas.”

It also highlighted the efforts of the Raynes Park residents' association in working with the council to make improvements to the area.

They include wider pavements, tree planting, new pedestrian and cycle routes, as well as noting that the vacancy rate on the High Street was at less than two per cent.

Stephen Hammond, MP for Wimbledon, Raynes Park and Morden, said: “A massive congratulations to Raynes Park High Street on making it to the final 20, out of over 230 applications.

“Vibrant High Streets are not only vital to our local economy, but also to our quality of life, as Raynes Park proves.

"It has a fantastic variety of shops and a get atmosphere and so I am delighted it is getting the recognition it deserves.

“I will be working hard over the next 6 weeks to promote Raynes Park High Street and show why it is the best in Britain.”

Raynes Park is up against Pitshanger Lane in Ealing and Roman Road in Tower Hamlets in the London category.

The winner will receive a share of a £50,000 cash prize, as well support and mentoring from industry experts.

Raynes Park will also be up against all of the other 20 finalists across the seven different categories to be crowned the overall winner of Britain’s Best High Street.

Although the competition will be judged by an expert judge, 50% of the final decision will be down to the votes of the public.

For more information, or to vote for Raynes Park, visit www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk