SHOPS in Richmond are getting ready for the annual retail awards.

Town manager Colin Grant said this year's competition would be bigger and better than ever.

"We spoke to a lot of people in Richmond about how we might build on last year's success and have made some modifications to the awards," he said.

"We have broadened the categories to reflect the range of quality shops in Richmond and added an award for best market stall.

"We have a very busy Saturday market and indoor market and the success of the farmers' market has been tremendous, so justification for their inclusion was easy."

Judges will include Richmond MP William Hague's wife, Ffion, Richmond Mayor Russell Lord and Steven Bell, of Bells Stores.

Mr Bell said: "I have an affinity with retailers in small towns as it is very much the same type of setting that our business grew from.

"Initiatives such as these awards are an essential ingredient in creating a thriving retail community."

The awards are being sponsored by The Northern Echo's sister paper, the Darlington and Stockton Times.

Nomination forms will be printed in the paper before the awards ceremony at the Kings Head Hotel on October 28.

Posters explaining the event and nominations are being delivered to every shop and market stall in the town.