A Maidstone man has been honoured for his contribution to the town’s economy.

Ashleigh Cornelius came top of the employment category in this year’s TalkTalk Digital Heroes competition for his work developing Localise, an app which promotes local businesses by helping smartphone users locate products which are near to them.

The 35-year-old will receive an award of up to £10,000 at a ceremony at the House of Commons on Tuesday, October 28.

Mr Cornelius, who works as a banker, has already secured £5,000 after becoming one of nine category winners but could win a further £5,000 if he wins the overall competition which will be judged by a panel of four on the day.

The panel will include editor-in-chief of the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror, Lloyd Embley, and chairman of TalkTalk, Sir Charles Dunstone.

Currently 12,000 businesses close every year and Mr Cornelius is hoping that the app, which is expected to be on the market by Christmas, will help decrease that figure.