EALING'S Pitshanger Lane has been named a Great British High Street of the Year, just days after being visited by Conservative mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith.

The west London street saw off competition from Raynes Park in southwest London and Roman Road in the East End to be crowned winner in the London category.

Mr Goldsmith, the MP for Richmond Park, was full of praise for Pitshanger Lane when he visited last week.

He said: "This is a really inspiring high street because it is crammed full of independent shops.

"It has real character, a real buzz about it, a real sense of community and there is no doubt this is the real heart of the community.

"I hope what this award will do is to fill this high street with real confidence and self-belief, and puts it on the map, if that’s what it needs."

The winning high streets will receive support and mentoring from industry experts which will range from coaching to advice on digital marketing.

Judges said: "With its great community spirit, social media campaign and a commitment to supporting local retailers, Pitshanger delighted our judges."

The street was entered for the award by John Martin, 47, owner of John Martin Estates and chairman of Pitshanger Village Traders Association (PVTA).

Mr Martin welcomed the impact the visit of a mayoral candidate could have on the area.

He said: “It’s a great opportunity for us to show of the shops and the traders.

“Any mayoral candidate taking the time to come and see is us is important.

“It allows them to understand the issues we have here, but also gets their weight behind us.”

Mr Goldsmith was not the only famous face to back the bid, with England international Peter Crouch - a former Ealing resident - also tweeting his support.

Thanking Crouch for the endorsement, Mr Martin told the Ealing Times about the moment the street won.

He said: “At the ceremony, we thought we’d be on last as that was how we were listed on the voting, but our award was actually announced first!

“It was that X-Factor moment, you could hear a pin drop, and then when were read out, it was just amazing, and the cheer around the room was great.

“Since winning, my feet haven’t touched the ground.

“The traders of Pitshanger Lane are delighted to be named best High Street in London.

“Once again, though, we must thank everyone who has played their part in tweeting, posting and voting daily – we couldn’t have done it without them.”

Picture courtesy of Maria Brosnan, with thanks