MARKET towns and villages are being urged to prepare for the Great British High Streets competition.

The scheme gives traders, businesses and local communities the opportunity to showcase their wares and share tips for success.

Following its success last year, the awards will be going ahead for a second year, confirmed communities minister Penny Mordaunt.

The competition had highlighted innovative ways to boost shopping areas and town centres – providing a platform for sharing ideas to rejuvenate high streets.

"I've have been bowled over by the pride, passion, and enthusiasm people have for their high streets and the value they place on them as an essential part of their community," said Ms Mordaunt.

"We are a nation of shopkeepers and the Great British High Street competition will continue to share best practice to rejuvenate the high street, as well as reward the talent and drive of those working behind the scenes to make it happen.

The winner of the 2014 award was Belper, Derbyshire.

Belper was praised for working with a public transport operator to provide branded buses on routes to the town, as well as delivering a youth market, pop up shop and community space.

Judges also praised the willingness of over 80 individuals and retailers to be trained as Belper Ambassadors and help ensure that locals and visitors know what the town has to offer.

Ms Mordaunt urged people to start thinking about the competition now ahead of details on the categories and how to enter being announced later in the year.

Residents, businesses and shopkeepers were helping high streets evolve into places that were at the heart of their community, where people wanted to shop and socialise.

The many successful examples from last year's competition have been pulled together in a how-to guide so other towns and villages keen to rejuvenate their streets can gleam pointers.

The government was committed to supporting high streets as part of Britain's long-term economic plan, said Ms Mordaunt.

A investment package of investment had included targeted business rate discounts, sensible planning changes and action against over-zealous parking practices.

The national competition will be run by the Future High Streets Forum. Further details about the competition and the categories will be announced later this year