An Olympics-inspired initiative to help visitors to Norwich has seen the city's business improvement district shortlisted as a BID of the year finalist in the 2014 ATCM National Partnership Awards.

Norwich is the youngest BID nominated, and is facing up against Hammersmith, Lincoln, Falkirk and High Wycombe in the competition, whose winner will be announced on June 26.

In its first 18 months, the BID has launched the Discover Norwich app for mobile phones, and helped support numerous city centre projects.

However, the awards panel was particularly impressed by the Norwich City Host Scheme, which was inspired by the 2012 Games Makers.

Launched in June 2013, the scheme sees hosts wear highly-visible, BID-branded 'Here to Help' blue tabards, as they welcome, guide and assist visitors in the BID area, providing help and advice.

The scheme relies heavily on a team of more than 40 volunteers, and had support from Lord Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games.

Stefan Gurney, executive director of Norwich BID, said: 'We are delighted and excited to have been shortlisted as finalists for the BID of the year award and look forward to hearing the results.

'To be shortlisted is testament to the level of work and activity the BID has undertaken within its first 18 months of operation and the huge success of the City Host scheme within the city.'