We all know Hitchin is a great place to live, now it's official - with our town receiving recognition in a national competition that could see it become a champion.

Hitchin is one of 30 towns across the UK to have been selected as a finalist in the 'Let's Celebrate Towns' competition – a nationwide showcase run by Visa, in partnership with the British Retail Consortium

Our town is in the running to be named Champion or Rising Star, as well as receiving up to £20,000 and a package of business support.

Hitchin MP Bim Afolami hailed the town, saying: "We all know that Hitchin is a great place to live and work, so I am delighted to have been informed that it has been nominated as part of the Visa Let's Celebrate Towns competition.

"I have agreed with Visa that I will sponsor their event in Parliament where the winners of the competition are revealed and I look forward to cheering Hitchin on."

A panel of independent judges spanning business, industry and regional bodies, will decide on eight overall winners, and is due to be announced at an awards ceremony next month.

One of those on the judging panel is Tony Danker, Director General of the Confederation of British Industry, who said: "I am delighted to be taking part in the Let's Celebrate Towns initiative and look forward to showcasing where towns are supporting businesses – of all sizes – to succeed.

"Faced with a challenging set of circumstances across the country, a relentless focus on growth and unlocking prosperity – especially across towns – can ensure that every region, every nation, and every corner of the UK can flourish."

From a shortlist of 30, eight towns will be recognised across the UK; one 'Champion' and one 'Rising Star' will be named in each nation. The 'Champion' awards will highlight towns that have demonstrated an exceptional ability to create a supportive environment that helps businesses and communities to thrive. The 'Rising Star' award will recognise up-and-coming towns that are on their way to transforming the local economic environment and community.

Winning towns will receive up to £20,000 of direct investment into a local community project or initiative and receive a dedicated programme of support for local businesses.