Bridgnorth celebrating its victory in Great British High Street Competition
Bridgnorth is celebrating its victory after being crowned the best large market town in the country.
Now the town is hoping to capitalise on its new-found status by using it to bring in tourists and new business.
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It came after a long campaign, as well as the town coming together to impress judges on the day they visited.
Bridgnorth's MP Philip Dunne today expressed his delight. He met Sally Themans, of Love Bridgnorth, and Sarah Stevens, of Buy Big in Bridgnorth, at the House of Commons to congratulate them on co-ordinating the successful campaign to recognise Bridgnorth as one of the country's best high streets.
Mr Dunne said: "This is a spectacular result for Bridgnorth. The quality of the competition was incredibly high, so to be recognised as the best large market town in the country is a remarkable achievement, justly deserved.
"I pay tribute to Sarah Stevens and Sally Themans on the amazing work they did to show off the best of Bridgnorth, with a strong media campaign and massive public support.
"Another top accolade in south Shropshire shows how fortunate we are to live in such a wonderful place."
The Great British High Street Competition 2016 is co-ordinated by the Department for Communities and Local Government, and celebrates the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation's high streets.
Christian Lea, Shropshire councillor for Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbotts Division, said: "What wonderful news it is to hear that Bridgnorth has won the large market town category.
"I would like to personally congratulate Sally Themans and Sarah Stevens for the tremendous effort that they put into spearheading Bridgnorth's entry into the completion and for all of the local businesses that did their bit to promote Bridgnorth's entry.
"Special thanks must also go to all the local people who cast their votes to help Bridgnorth secure the victory that the town so rightly deserves.
"It is a truly wonderful result for the town."
Stephen Robbins, chairman of Bridgnorth Chamber of Commerce, said the hard work now starts to ensure the town makes best use of the title bestowed on it.
He said: "Bridgnorth Chamber of Commerce is delighted to hear that the town's bid to win has been successful.
"It is down to the hard work of Sarah and Sally.
"The chamber recognised the value of winning this prestigious title and we were pleased to offer financial support to help with the publicity."
Mr Robbins helped host the judges when they paid their visit.
They were taken on the park and ride, enjoyed the Cliff Railway and visited the Severn Valley Railway before being taken on a tour of the High Street.
He said: "We are especially proud that our park and ride was mentioned by the judges as a successful community-led initiative which helped the bid.
"The national publicity that this has generated will have a positive effect on tourism over the coming year, but more than that, winning the award will surely encourage all of the community to continue to work together to improve our town."
Residents have taken to social media to celebrate the win.
They include Mary Gilbert, who said: "It is brilliant news. Well done to Sally, Sarah and others for taking this forward and all those who got behind them. I'm proud to be from Bridgnorth."
Councillor Jean Onions added: "Sarah and Sally, how proud you must feel, an amazing achievement not only starting it but getting so many people behind you, your charisma and enthusiasm was just irresistible and well done to all your backers.
"Bridgnorth always has punched above its weight and that's its strength.
"I had a friend visit and even she who has lived in many places said that she wishes they had stayed in Bridgnorth and may yet when they retire come back, so many many congratulations for a job well done."
