ALTRINCHAM has lifted a prestigious high street award for its efforts to attract shoppers into the town.

The town has become the first champion High Street in England beating 25 other finalists from up and down the land which included Kingston upon Hull and the city of Bristol.

At a glittering ceremony at Lancaster House, Altrincham won the Champion award for England and with it a cheque for £15,000 at the inaugural Great British High Street Awards 2018.

Altrincham and Sale West MP Sir Graham Brady said: "I am thrilled that Altrincham has won this prestigious award. Ten years ago, our town was used as an example of a failing high street, now it is  the English High Street Champion.

"This is a great tribute to all of those who care about our town and have worked so hard to bring success to Altrincham."

The awards have been organised by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and sponsored by Visa.