"EXCITEMENT" is in the air after a Cotswold village was listed as one of the top high streets for independent shops in the UK.

Broadway was listed as number five in the UK for having the most independent shops, beating famous high streets like The Lanes in Brighton and Magdalene Street in Cambridge.

Shop Small by American Express commissioned research with retail experts GlobalData1 to reveal the top ten streets for independent shops.

The research aimed to shine a light on the nation's small businesses that play such an essential role in their local communities.

Mel Waldron runs Broadway Cotswolds, the village's tourism website, and has a family-run business called The Goldsmithy down the High Street.

Evesham Journal: Mel Waldron's grandchildren outside Whatever The Weather in Broadway. Mel Waldron's grandchildren outside Whatever The Weather in Broadway. (Image: Broadway Cotswolds)She said: "Broadway is world class - there are many people who know us from around the world.

"It is a unique Cotswold countryside village which has lots of independent shops that locals and visitors alike support.

"It is lovely to hear that American Express has recognised what a  wonderful place it is to visit.

"Please do come and experience it for yourselves!"

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The Goldsmithy is a three-generation family-run business and one of Broadway's many independents. 

High Streets were identified as the best after being ranked by which has the most independent outlets.

The ranking also included other key factors such as variety in business types, number of visitors, and shop occupancy rate.

Matt Piner, research director at GlobalData, said: "Despite the challenges small businesses have faced over the past decade, this research shows that a wonderfully diverse array of small businesses remain prominent on high streets across the UK.

"These small businesses have endured by offering a broad range of services which meet consumer demands, continually evolving in a nimble and agile fashion, and offering a personal touch."  

Dan Edelman, VP & UK general manager of merchant services at American Express, said it is great to recognise small high streets during a crucial trading time. 

"With everything from grocery stores, bespoke gift shops and pet stores, there's something for everyone, and now is the time for people to step out and support the small local businesses on their doorstep," he said.