A COTSWOLD village can now boast Britain’s ‘most romantic street’ after being given the honour by Google.

Copse Hill Road, in Lower Slaughter, emerged as the winner in Google’s Street View Awards 2011 having beaten off competition from roads around the rest of the country, including The Mall in London where the Royal Wedding took place.

The awards focused on three specific categories - most romantic street, hippest street and best shopping street - and nominations were compiled by a panel of experts from titles like Lonely planet and Visit Britain, together with celebrities and leading journalists.

These nominations were then put to the national vote in May which saw more than 20,000 people participate.

Cotswold tourism manager Chris Dee said: “It’s true, the Cotswold is for lovers. We are thrilled that this typical Cotswold street has been voted the essence of English romance by people from around the world.”

Copse Hill Road was nominated by travel editor Lisa Scott for its beautiful architecture - including the picturesque 13th century church of St Mary’s - stunning greenery and romantic ambience.

She said: “This road ticks all the boxes. I love how it winds past the stone cottages, the wild hedges and the church.”

Resident Rita Knight has lived in Copse Hill Road for more than 11 years.

She said: “This is a fun award, it’s very flattering. It’s an absolutely beautiful street, it has a peaceful feel about it which just seems to have an effect on people. It’s not very tangible, but it just does.

“There are weddings at the church with lots of bells ringing about once a month and we often see lovers walking down the road hand-in-hand.”

She added: “People should come and have a look for themselves.”

The award for hippest street went to South Shore Road in Gateshead, while the best shopping street went to Bondgate Within, in Alnwick.