WINCHESTER'S independent businesses are in the race to be crowned ‘Winchester’s Favourite Independent 2016’.

Businesses are vying for the votes of customers in what is believed to be the first Winchester poll of its kind.

The titles will be decided by the shoppers who will cast their votes in ballot boxes across the city and online.

One lucky voter will win a hamper of exciting prizes provided by the participating businesses: including jewellery from Jeremy France Jewellers and Brides of Winchester and vouchers to spend in local businesses including Vintage Hound, Kyoto Kitchen, Cornflowers and Pavilion.

The competition is being co-ordinated by Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) as a part of their work to support independent traders.

Catherine Turness, executive director of Winchester BID, said: "Independent businesses and speciality shopping areas such as Kingsgate Village and Parchment Street are a key attraction for visitors to Winchester and a vital part of the thriving local economy. The BID works closely with many of these business to deliver projects which benefit the entire city."

The strength of the independent sector is one of the secrets of Winchester’s success adding a unique feeling to the city and circulating more of the consumer spend back into the local economy than comparative shopping in nationwide stores. Over half the retail and hospitality business operating in the city are independently owned.

Voting is open until the end of July – hopeful prize winners should head to the View Winchester Facebook page or pick up a ballot paper in a participating business to cast your vote today.