Gallery vies to become '˜top of the shops' in the Great British High Street awards

Shortlisted by the Government and Twitter UK, the contemporary art, jewellery and craft gallery is one of Britain’s top three independent shops using social media to promote the local high street.

Now it’s through to a public vote and to be crowned champion, Heart Gallery needs your support.

Alison Bartram said: “I feel so blessed to have been shortlisted for this new award Best GB Twitter Shop. As a small business owner, running a successful gallery, I have to wear many hats on a daily basis.

“The social media hat is one of my favourites and it plays such an important role.

“Small independent shops like myself don’t have budgets for advertising so this is one of the most effective ways of reaching our audience and it’s fun too.”

Currently Heart Gallery is in second place in the public vote.

1. @FleetwoodBeach, an ice cream kiosk in Lancashire

2. @HeartGallery, the art, jewellery and craft gallery in Hebden Bridge

3. @Arteryshop, an art shop in Banbury, Oxfordshire

But High Streets Minister Andrew Percy still believes there’s time to turn things around and is encouraging communities to get voting.

“The buzz generated by this year’s competition has seen a record breaking 350,000 votes cast already,” he said.

“Alison has worked hard doing what she does best on Twitter but this is the last push and there’s still everything to play for, so get online and vote for Heart Gallery.”

Between now and November 18 you can cast your vote for one of the top three finalists in this category by simply sending a tweet using the hashtag #BestGBTwittershop and @heartgallery.

The category winner will receive a special prize - one thousand pounds worth of advertising credit, as well as a trip to Twitter UK’s London Office to further boost their digital skills.