A west Dorset seaside town has been named as one of the best places to live in the South West.

Lyme Regis was one of 12 locations in the region to feature in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live.

The resort also featured in the list last year for the first time.

The Sunday Times’ judges assess a wide range of factors, from schools, transport and broadband speed to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street to produce the definitive guide to the UK’s finest locations to call home.

Lyme was beaten to the top spot by Cheltenham, which will represent the best of Britain in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide. The overall winner will be revealed on March 22 and the full guide published at sundaytimes.co.uk/bestplacestolive

The judges have travelled thousands of miles around the UK, visiting locations and talking to locals. They look for improving towns, villages or city centres, for attractive, well designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit.

Helen Davies, The Sunday Times Home editor, said: “never has where you live felt more important. This year we have, along with house prices, air quality, good schools and access to green spaces, championed locations that have showcased great community spirit.

“The feeling of involvement in and concern for one’s local community is being challenged - and celebrated - as never before. We wish everyone well wherever they live.”