GREAT MALVERN has been named on a prestigious list as one of the best places to live in The Midlands.

The town was included when the Sunday Times released its Best Places To Live list, sponsored by Halifax.

The "dramatic views of the Malvern Hills" and "well-kept town centre" were praised as the two major reasons for its inclusion.

Cllr Richard Whitehead, Malvern Hills District Councillor for Pickersleigh ward, highlighted a strong sense of community which makes Malvern one of the best places to live

Cllr Whitehead said: "I absolutely feel that Great Malvern’s inclusion on this list is warranted.

"The growing vibrance of the independent retail sector in the town centre and the strong sense of community help make this a wonderful place to live.

"We also have a wonderful, growing artistic community as well. There are a number of talented artists in the area that are building on the artistic legacy that Malvern already has."

Six other locations across the Midlands are also featured in the comprehensive guide, which includes 72 locations across the UK in full.

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Leamington Spa in Warwickshire was named the winner for The Midlands, with Digbeth in Birmingham, Bishops Castle in Shropshire, Market Harborough in Leicestershire, Melbourne in Derbyshire and Rutand also making the list.

Helen Davies, the editor of Best Places to Live 2023, said: “When times are tough, where we live matters more than ever.

"Attractive surroundings, good neighbours and a comfortable home are the best defences when the stresses of modern life seem overwhelming. 

“This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2023 from Orkney to Felixstowe, the Chew Valley to Manchester city centre.

"Whether you’re downsizing, trading up or getting onto the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you.” 

Wadhurst in East Sussex was named the overall winner of Best Places to Live.

It was praised by judges for its “good schools, convenient transport connections, an amazingly well-stocked high street and stunning scenery”.

They said that it offers “pretty much everything needed for modern life in miniature”. 

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This year is the eleventh guide released by The Sunday Times, and features more new entries than ever before.

The Sunday Times’ judges visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street. 

Kim Kinnaird, the director of Halifax Mortgages, said: “At Halifax, we know it’s where you live that really makes somewhere feel like ‘home’.

"What people look for when choosing where to live is a very personal choice. We know that the housing market can sometimes feel daunting when there are so many locations and things to consider.

"But looking at these fantastic locations is a great start, with options for different budgets and family situations, alongside an exciting blend of urban and rural living.”