Enniskillen is one of 12 high streets across the UK and one of only three in Northern Ireland to be shortlisted for the Great British High Street Champion award.

The award, sponsored by Visa, recognises the UK’s best high streets, with exceptionally strong local communities, who are "leading the way to the high streets of the future."

The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Siobhán Currie commented on Enniskillen being shortlisted for the award. She said: "I am delighted that Enniskillen has been shortlisted for this prestigious award. It is recognition not only of the quality of the businesses in Enniskillen town centre but also the level of co-operation between the businesses, Council and other statutory agencies in making the shopping experience in Enniskillen such a positive one."

She continued: "Fermanagh and Omagh District Council works in partnership with town centre businesses to deliver initiatives to promote our High Street and to encourage shoppers and visitors into the town centre to enjoy its high-quality dining and hospitality experience and range of High Street and boutique shops and eateries."

The champion award shortlist was announced after a rigorous selection process overseen by a panel of independent judges.

Visa street teams will be visiting Enniskillen over the coming weeks to get the local community involved in the award through various activities including giveaways.

Enniskillen will then be judged over the next number of weeks with 80 per cent of the total score being decided by the visiting judges and 20 per cent of the total score decided by public vote. Members of the public can vote for Enniskillen by visiting www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/high-street-of-the-year-awards/champion-finalist-enniskillen.

Voting ends on October 7 with the winners announced at an awards ceremony in London in November.