Historic silver trophy donated as search for Fylde's Best Shop passes 3,000 votes
"I have been absolutely delighted by the response to this year's competition”
The search for Fylde's Best Shop has gathered notable momentum -and trophy to hand aout to the winner.
More than 3,000 votes have already been cast by local residents in Fylde MP Andrew Snowden's campaign to celebrate and support independent shops and high street businesses.
Now the competition has received an unexpected boost after an important piece of local history was donated to become the competition's permanent trophy.
An historic solid silver cup has been donated by Margaret Race, long-time chair of the Friends of the Lytham St Annes Art Collection, whose grandfather, Alderman J. H. Dawson JP FRSA (1867–1963), originally presented the trophy in 1953 to recognise outstanding local shops.
The cup was first awarded in honour of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and was presented annually by the former St Annes Chamber of Trade.
It was awarded to some of the town's best-known businesses before eventually being returned to the Dawson family.
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Following the launch of Mr Snowden's Best Shop competition, Margaret wrote to offer the historic trophy so that it could again recognise the very best of Fylde's local businesses.
As a result, this year's winner will not only be crowned Best Shop in the Fylde constituency but will also be presented with one of the area's most historic trophies.
Mr Snowden said: "I have been absolutely delighted by the response to this year's competition.
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“To have already passed 3,000 votes in just a few weeks shows just how passionate people are about supporting their local shops and high streets.
"But Margaret's incredibly generous offer has transformed this competition into something even more special.
"This isn't just a trophy, it's a wonderful piece of Fylde's history. For more than seventy years it has celebrated some of our area's finest local businesses, and thanks to Margaret's generosity it will now do so once again.
"I'd like to thank Margaret and the Dawson family for ensuring this remarkable piece of our local heritage can once again take pride of place in recognising the businesses that are at the heart of our communities."
Margaret Race said: "When I heard about Andrew's competition to support local shops, I immediately thought of my grandfather's trophy. He believed strongly in recognising local businesses and encouraging people to support them.
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"Rather than keeping it tucked away, I wanted it to be used once again for the purpose for which it was originally donated. I hope it will continue to inspire and celebrate the wonderful businesses we have across Fylde for many years to come."
Mr Snowden has also reiterated his support for measures to help Britain's struggling high streets.
He added: "Local businesses continue to face rising costs, which is why I am backing proposals to scrap business rates for every pub and high street shop in the country. If we want thriving town centres, we need to back the businesses that make them successful."
Voting in the Best Shop competition remains open until August 31. Residents can vote by visiting www.andrewsnowden.uk and clicking on 'Shop of the Year'.