The Awards celebrate the city centre and its businesses Pics: Billy Matthews and Gill Lawson

Bartenders and shopkeepers across Preston are waiting to find out whether they’re the most popular in the city after a public vote.

More than 100,000 votes have been cast in the annual Preston It Smiles Better Awards.

Advertisements

More than 165 nominations were received across 15 categories and Prestonians logged on to vote for their favourites.

A total of 128,520 votes were cast and the competition now moves into a mystery shopping phase.

Fishergate shopping centre manager Keith Mitchell said: “The large amount of votes cast is a tribute to all the great customer-focused work being carried out by staff in Preston’s shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.

“This positive response to the awards from the general public again highlights Preston’s growing and deserved reputation as a vibrant shopping and visitor destination that delivers fantastic levels of service.

“We’re very pleased to be backing this initiative which shows why Preston really is Smiles Better and recognises and rewards those people whose efforts make our city centre the special place it is.”

The winners are to be announced at an invite-only ceremony on Tuesday 21 June hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire’s John Gillmore and DJ Danny Bee.

A special recognition award is also to be given out by organisers Preston Business Improvement District to a city centre business who go the extra mile.

Did you vote in the awards? Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments below