BEAMINSTER has been voted one of the top twelve places to live in the south west by The Sunday Times.

Sunday’s edition will reveal why the West Dorset town ranks so high.

The two-part guide takes into account a wide range of elements including transport links, quality of schools, natural beauty, low crime rate, property prices, cultural life and unemployment figures. Each area was also assessed on its own individual assets, whether it is a local festival, fascinating architecture or proximity to an airport.

Sherborne was the only other Dorset town singled out.

Also on the list are Topsham in Exeter,  Totnes,  Bruton,  Wells,  Truro,  Wadebridge, Thornbury in Bristol, Oddington in Oxfordshire, Tisbury in Wiltshire and Tetbury in Gloucestershire.

The guide was written by Eleanor Mills, author of the Beyond the Brochure property column. Eleanor said: “Scampering around Britain for my column I find there are particular bits of our crowded island which always retain a particular attraction for people.

“We have built on this basic information to create a definitive guide. The Sunday Times Best Places to Live will prove invaluable for anyone starting a family, retiring, or simply considering a move.”

The guide will run in two successive editions.and he overall national winner will be revealed on Sunday.