CHIPPING Norton is in pole position to be named the best market town High Street in the UK after bumping rival Helmsley off the top spot.

Four weeks into the six-week public voting period for the Great British High Street competition Chipping Norton has moved up to first place in the Market Town category.

But organisers are worried that, with just two weeks to go until voting closes, it could all change.

Shaun Fagan, who entered the town in the competition, said: “We’ve had an exciting fortnight featuring a number of events to highlight the competition, and we’ve decorated the town to commemorate the judges’ visit.

“I’ve sensed a real momentum shift in support. It feels like we have everyone in Chipping Norton behind us but we need them all to keep voting to make sure we stay at the top.”

Residents also went all out to decorate the town after Great British High Street judge Andy Godfrey visited to give his verdict.

Winners in each of the seven categories get a share of a prize pot worth £80,000, which includes expert training and tailor-made tips from Google’s training taskforce.

With the public vote making up 50 per cent of the final decision, the team behind the bid is urging local people to help them win.

Between now and November 13 anyone interested can vote online at chippy2win.com