Fingers crossed! Hitchin will find out this week if it has been crowned the UK's champion town.

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.

The Champion Award recognises exceptionally strong examples of towns that are creating a highly supportive business environment and helping communities to thrive, leading the way for other areas across the UK to follow.

Speaking to Hitchin Nub News, popular town centre supremo Tom Hardy said: "We applied for the Town Champion Award last year and are delighted to be shortlist.

"Along with many other UK towns, winners from all four nations will be selected at the award ceremony on Wednesday, [March 1] at the Palace of Westminster.

"Hitchin is a remarkable town with strong community connections and vibrant town centre offering a wide range of events and independent shopping for all ages.

"We are proud to have kept one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country as well as getting footfall back up to 90% of pre-pandemic levels."

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.

"Our aim is to keep Hitchin a vibrant, clean, safe and well promoted place for people to enjoy and businesses to prosper," said busy Tom, as he gears up for a trip to Westminster this week to represent Hitchin.

"I am honoured to be attending the award ceremony along with the Hitchin BID Chairman and have everything crossed that we win!"