The stakes are high in the race to be named Best British High Street, as it was revealed Norwich was within 100 votes of first place at the last count.

Eastern Daily Press: Business owners from the Royal Arcade and Castle district are urging people to vote for the shopping area in Britain's best high street award.PHOTO: Nick ButcherBusiness owners from the Royal Arcade and Castle district are urging people to vote for the shopping area in Britain's best high street award.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Votes are being counted on a weekly basis, and Norwich was announced as being in second place last Friday.

But the fight for first place was a close one, as there were fewer than 100 votes between Norwich's Castle/Arcade district and current leaders Derby.

Rachel Fretter, from Norwich BID, said they had been overwhelmed with the support Norwich had received, especially on social media under the hashtag #GBHighSt.

'We're pleased and excited about how many people have got behind the campaign, you just need to look through Twitter. The support has been amazing.'

Businesses, bloggers and shoppers have been tweeting their favourite things about the area.

This year's competition saw a record 900 entries across all 14 categories, including new categories for individuals and shops.

In 2014, The Lanes were crowned category winners, which not only boosted pride in the city but also had tangible economic impact with retailers reporting increased footfall.

Winners will be chosen in each category based on the number of votes received but they will also be inspected by the judging panel – made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business.

Voting will close on November 18, and winners will be announced live at a ceremony on December 12. You are able to cast one vote per day.

To cast your vote, visit www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/finalist-city-location and follow

@TheGBHighSt on Twitter.

Why do you think Norwich should win? Write (giving your full contact details) to: The Letters Editor, Norwich Evening News, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE, email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk or you can tweet @EveningNews