Poole High Street has been shortlisted in the Champion category for the 2018 Great British High Street Award. The news came in a letter from Jake Berry MP, the minister responsible for local growth and high streets in the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Members of the public can raise Poole's chances of winning by voting on social media, which contributes 30% of the final score for Poole. vote  Simply post on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, using #MyHighStreet and #GBHSPoole to register a vote. The public voting closes on 31 October and the winners are announced on 15 November.

Sir Robert Syms, MP for Poole, commented on the news: "Being shortlisted for this award is quite an honour for Poole, and reflects well on the hard work put in over many years by local councillors, like Poole Town Cllr Andy Garner-Watts, who has worked tirelessly with local interest groups to focus attention and resources on our historic and irreplacable high street."

Cllr Andy Garner-Watts had this to say: "This is great news and reflects credit on all the local groups I have worked with over the years to spruce up the high street and help local businesses invest in its success."

The photo shows Sir Robert and Andy holding the letter from Jake Berry.