Kingston’s renovated Ancient Market Place has been shortlisted for a national award.

The Market Place is one of only three London shopping districts to make the cut for the Great British High Street Awards.

Other London borough’s shortlisted were Waltham Forest and Wembley.

The contest, run by the Future High Street Forum, received more than 135 entries which were whittled down to just 21.

Winners in each of the seven categories will win a share of £50,000.

Ros Morgan, Chief Executive, Kingstonfirst, said: "This is fantastic news for Kingston.

"The Great British High Street Awards shine a light on hard working traders and communities around the country, showing what can be done to help streets evolve to be places where people want to shop, socialise and work.

Surrey Comet:

The Market Place was officially opened in June by Kit Malthouse, deputy mayor of London for business 

"We are delighted Kingston has been shortlisted for these prestigious awards.

"Our Market Place, with its recently renovated Ancient Market, is a vibrant and active community hub for the town centre and we look forward to showing the judges what it has to offer."

Work to renovate Market Place began shortly before Christmas last year, at an estimated cost of £3m. 

The project was initially due to finish in late March, but overran by two months

Market stallholders were forced to move to Memorial Gardens while contractors Balfour Beatty raced to finish the job.  

Surrey Comet:

The project overran by almost two months, to the chagrin of shoppers and stall holders