GREAT Malvern is one of the top ten towns in Britain for local identity, according to a new survey.

The New Economics Foundation report named it as a place with character, compared to other British town centres.

According to the report, Britain is being turned into a nation of 'clone towns' as global brands and chain stores take over the high streets.

But Great Malvern, along with nine other towns, has resisted this clone invasion and retained its individuality, identity and character. It scored highly in the survey for the number of independent outlets and range of specialist shops.

Stewart Broadhurst, owner of independent bookshop Beacon Books said the survey was "good news for Malvern".

"In Malvern we have character and independent shops. In so many other towns all the shops are the same. I prefer to shop in Malvern, there's more choice," he said.

Robin Elt, chairman of Great Malvern Traders Association, said he was delighted to hear the news.

"We have a large number of speciality shops and private retailers in Great Malvern. It's nice to have this noticed and recognised as an asset," he said.

The survey of 103 towns in England, Scotland and Wales found that 42 had virtually no local businesses. Thirty four towns, including Malvern, could still be described as 'home towns', with a sense of local identity. Another 37 were 'border towns', where colonisation by the clones was not fully established.

Andrew Simms, the foundation's policy director, said: "Clone stores have a triple whammy on communities. They bleed the local economy of money, destroy the social glue provided by real local shops and steal the identities of our towns and cities. Then we are left with soulless clone towns."

The New Economics Foundation is an independent think-tank aimed at promoting a sustainable, people-friendly economy.

Top ten home town

Hebden Bridge, Peebles, Bo'ness, Normanton, Frodsham, Emsworth, Hadleigh, Great Malvern, Lewes, Gainsborough.

Top ten clone towns

Exeter, Dumfries, Stafford, Middlesbrough, Weston-super-Mare, Winchester, Newport, Dorchester, Cheltenham, Burton-on-Trent.