Treorchy High Street in the Rhondda Valley has been crowned the UK’s best in this year’s Great British High Street Awards.

Boasting an occupancy rate of 96%, Treorchy was commended for its local community led year-round cultural events including an outdoor cinema, an arts festival and an annual Christmas Parade.

It was also highly-praised for the digital training and support offered to local businesses.

Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Adrian Emmett of The Lion Pub, Treorchy, who nominated the village’s high street, commented: ‘We are honoured to be named the UK’s best high street and hugely grateful to both the Great British High Street Awards and Visa for putting our beloved high street on the map!’ he said.

‘It is undoubtedly the commitment, hard work, dedication and drive of the whole community of Treorchy and the surrounding area that has helped us to win this!’

The local community will receive £15,000 of prize money.

‘Rising Star of the Year’, which identifies the high street taking the lead to adapt and diversify, was awarded to The Square in Kelso.

The Scottish market town was praised for its innovative initiatives designed to drive footfall and consumer spending on the high street.

High streets minister Jake Berry said: ‘Every place has its own unique strengths and challenges, but all our town centres and high streets have one thing in common – they are the beating heart of of our communities.

‘The Great British High Street Awards celebrate the grit and determination of local people who are dedicated to supporting their communities, growing their local economy and finding innovative solutions to modern day challenges.

‘Today in Edinburgh I saw the very best of our high streets and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all of this year’s winners and to give my personal thanks to the individuals and communities helping to build the future of the high street.

‘I am delighted to see such strong examples of thriving high streets from every nation in our United Kingdom.’