RESIDENTS and businesses turned out in Mold to give a warm welcome to a team of judges.

As part of Mold’s shortlisting for the Great British High Street awards, the judges visited on Thursday (September 26) to see the town for themselves.

Throughout the day, high street ambassadors visited shops and businesses in Mold to raise awareness of the awards.

Regular market businesses including Emmy Lou Rustic Rose, the Great British Bake House and Welsh Gifts brought their stalls along to represent the acclaimed Mold street market.

Theatr Clwyd brought along a community caravan, which is used to promote future events and productions taking place up at the acclaimed award winning theatre.

Members of the theatre were delighted to talk to the judges about the upcoming Mold Riots production, taking place throughout the streets of Mold from October 21 to 26th.

NEWSAR (North East Wales Search and Rescue), the main beneficiary of this year’s Mold Town Council Mayoral appeal, were providing CPR and defibrillator training throughout the day.

Harold Burrows, chair of NEWSAR, said "Mold is a fantastic town and the community here are so supportive of NEWSAR.

"Being here today is our way of giving back to the community, providing free training in CPR and defibrillator use.

"Today we have provided training to over 100 people which is exceptional and shows the great support Mold has from the community here."

At 1pm the judges arrived and were provided with very special ‘welcome to Mold’ hosted by the mayor, Councillor Tim Maunders, together with Councillor Marian Bateman, chair of Flintshire Council and Stephanie Catherall, the High Sheriff of Clwyd.

The judges were entertained throughout the afternoon with performances from Cambria Band, Mold Choral Society and a number of local schools.

Mold Plastic Reduction Group and Cittaslow Mold were also on the square to provide the judges (and visitors) with information on Mold’s Cittaslow status and the efforts and progress of the plastic reduction group in Mold.

Retailer including the Olive Tree, Latitude53, Lovelies Delights, CJ’s Butchers, Mold Ale House and the Relish Club, provided the judges with a ‘taste of Mold’ including samples of their products that are either made in Mold or available to purchase from the town.

Delyn MP David Hanson said: “Mold is a town with so much to offer and it is wonderful that the judges from The Great British High Street Award have visited the town to see first-hand how brilliant it is.

"The town is full of independent retailers, has excellent public parks and facilities and an active local town council.

"But what makes Mold the special town it is, is the warm and welcoming response you will get from everyone who lives and works in Mold. It is the epitome of a rising star town."

Following the event on Daniel Owen Square the judges were taken on a tour of the town to see for themselves what the Mold has to offer, before returning to the square to be presented with a gift bag from Mold by the mayor.

Hannah Blythyn AM, who accompanied the judges on their tour of the town, said: "I am so proud to live in Mold and to represent the town as the Assembly Member for Delyn.

"I do hope the judges think Mold is as wonderful as I do, Mold is thoroughly deserving of winning this Great British High Street Award."

Jane Davies, from Jane Davies @No10 Mold, said: "Mold is such a vibrant town, it has so much to offer and I’m so pleased that people are joining together to support and vote for Mold."

Mold is only one of 28 high streets that have been shortlisted for the rising star category which identifies those high streets which are taking the lead to adapt and diversify.

Councillor Tim Maunders added “We have a great community spirit here in Mold and I‘m so proud and humbled to be mayor of this great town.

"I am convinced that after their visit, the judges have left with a very good impression of Mold and the community. Mold is not only a great place to shop but it’s a fantastic place to live and visit too.”

Councillor Maunders went on to say: "The judges scores only make up part of the vote with the remaining coming from an on-line public vote, therefore we are encouraging, traders, businesses, visitors and residents to vote (daily) for Mold."

Voting closes at 11.59pm on Monday, October 7 and the winners will be announced in November.

To vote and for more information, visit: https://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/high-street-of-the-year-awards/rising-star-flintshire