A scheme set up to support independent businesses in Southwold and safeguard the vitality of the High Street is being held up as an example for other towns to follow.

The My Southwold team was set up to manage the £10,000 Portas grant received at the end of 2012 and since then it has been working on a range of initiatives to boost custom in the town.

The successful brand has now been included in a booklet created by the Department for Communities and Local Government to show what can be done if people work together to improve their high streets.

Southwold is just one of two towns in the whole of East Anglia to feature in the publication, with Norwich Business Improvement District’s Discover Norwich campaign also gaining recognition.

Sallie Smith, a member of the My Southwold team, along with Clare Hart, said: “We were picked because of the branding of My Southwold.

“We are delighted and very proud of what we have achieved with a small team of volunteers.”

The My Southwold Team was featured in the booklet after entering the Great British High Street of the Year competition, winning praise for its collaboration with local people and businesses.