AN EAST Lothian town's High Street has been ranked as one of the best in Britain.

Dunbar was named as having one of the country’s best high streets in the third annual Great British High Street competition.

Dunbar High Street was named in the top five of the coastal category, beating more than 85 per cent of entries and just missing out on going through to the public vote to decide the winner.

The East Lothian town’s High Street was the highest ranked Scottish town in the category, finishing behind Falmouth, in Cornwall, Prestatyn, in Wales, Sea View Street, in Cleethorpes, and Teignmouth, in South Devon.

Steven Hill, chairman of Dunbar Trades’ Association (DTA) was delighted to hear of the success.

He told the Courier: “To be in the top five of the coastal town category is a tremendous achievement and shows that all our hard work has been recognised.

“It certainly spurs us on to work even harder.”

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

High Streets Minister Andrew Percy also congratulated Dunbar on finishing in the top five.

He said: “Dunbar demonstrated many of the things we were looking for: a commitment to revitalising the high street as a unique place for living, working and shopping.

“Dunbar just missed out on the public vote this year but can take great pride in reaching the final five and being named one of Britain’s best high streets.”

The top three will now go through to a public vote, with winners being announced later this year.