SHOPPERS are being asked to vote for their favourite retailer as an awards scheme gets underway.

The annual Durham City Retail Awards will take place on November 26, with the city’s best shops, cafes, restaurants and bars honoured at a glittering ceremony at Ramside Hall Hotel.

People who live, work and shop in Durham are being asked to help choose the winners of the ten categories, including the overall prize Retailer of the Year.

Richard Toynbee, centre manager of Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, is urging the public to get involved in this year’s awards.

He said: “The Retail Awards are very important for businesses in Durham.

“They work hard throughout the year, many investing a lot of money in marketing and customer service; these awards not only recognise their effort, but celebrate it.”

Last year, Prince Bishops Shopping Centre retailers; Whisky River Cocktail Bar & Café and Boots picked up Bar of the Year and Large Retailer of the Year; and Silver Street new comer, Stormfront, picked up the prestigious Retailer of the Award.

The deadline for nominations is November 2, with forms available from participating businesses or online at durhamcityretailawards.co.uk.

The most popular retailers will be visited by a mystery shopper, with the findings then going before a panel of judges.