A Suffolk riverside town is vying for the title of the “UK’s best high street” after impressing judges with its “outstanding” quality.

Woodbridge’s Thoroughfare has been short-listed for this year’s Great British High Street Awards, putting it in the running for a £15,000 prize.

The Suffolk entry is up against 25 other streets in the “Champion” awards category, which have been chosen by an independent panel of judges following a “rigorous” selection process. Contenders will now battle it out in a public vote, which makes 30% of the final scoring, and will then have to impress an expert panel to be crowned Britain’s best.

Choose Woodbrige, the town’s business and tourism association, submitted the entry for Thoroughfare, after research by awards sponsor Visa, revealed promising signs in the country’s high streets despite a challenging retail environment.

On a recent visit to Thoroughfare, shoppers were full of praise for the high street.

East Anglian Daily Times: Thoroughfare is up against 25 other high streets for the award Picture: RACHEL EDGEThoroughfare is up against 25 other high streets for the award Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

One man said: “It’s brilliant, as you can see all around you; vibrant colourful and lots of different independent shops.”

Other comments praised the “wonderful” variety of shops, its “dog friendly” approach and its “beautiful” appearance. “It’s got that little bit of everything,” one woman commented.

High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP said: “Congratulations to Thoroughfare on being short-listed as one of the UK’s best high streets in this year’s Great British High Street Awards.

“The awards celebrate the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets and the quality of entries this year has been outstanding. Over the next six weeks The Thoroughfare has the chance to impress an expert judging panel as they also battle it out in a public vote for the title of Britain’s best high street.”

East Anglian Daily Times: A public vote will account for 30% of the final score Picture: RACHEL EDGEA public vote will account for 30% of the final score Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

“This is a great opportunity to show your support for the hard work going on in Thoroughfare so get voting.”

Visa’s Sundeep Kaur added: “The Thoroughfare is a fantastic example of a high street which has made huge strides in transforming itself to offer a range of different experiences for locals and visitors alike.”

The winning entries will be announced on November 15 at an awards ceremony in London.

Visit The Great British High Street to find out about the vote.

East Anglian Daily Times: Which shop is which? Picture: RACHEL EDGEWhich shop is which? Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)