A Worcestershire town has been included on a prestigious list of the best places to live. 

The Sunday Times named Great Malvern among the best places to live in The Midlands.

The "dramatic views of the Malvern Hills" and "well-kept town centre" were praised as the two major reasons for the inclusion in the list, which is sponsored by Halifax. 

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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Cllr Richard Whitehead, Malvern Hills District Councillor for Pickersleigh ward, highlighted the town's strong sense of community as among the reasons it was a good place 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."

Leamington Spa, in Warwickshire, was named winner for The Midlands, with Digbeth in Birmingham, Bishops Castle in Shropshire, Market Harborough in Leicestershire, Melbourne in Derbyshire and Rutland, East Midlands, 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.

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

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

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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. 

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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.” 

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