Stroud has been named the best place to live in Britain.

The town tops a list of 78 locations compiled by The Sunday Times.

Judges assessed places on a wide range of factors, from schools, air quality, transport and broadband speeds to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.

They were looking for improving towns, villages or city centres, for attractive, well designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit.

The farmers’ market was praised by the Sunday Times judges as “one of the best in the country”, while Stroud Wassail, Forest Green Rovers, in Nailsworth, the canal, the walks on Rodborough, Minchinhampton and Selsley Commons and the creative arts scene all won plaudits.

Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times property editor said: “This guide has never been so important. The pandemic has taught us just how much we rely on our homes, our communities and our surroundings.

"With working from home now common, it’s no surprise that many of us are reassessing our priorities and thinking hard about where we really want to live.

“Our focus for this year has been community, countryside and convenience. It hasn’t been a year for big cities or small villages. Instead it is small towns that have shone: big enough to have everything you need within walking distance and small enough for everyone to feel connected.

“Stroud has been chosen as our national winner because it has all the basics covered in perfect style: it has excellent schools, convenient transport links and easy access to lots of glorious green space.

“Best of all it has a unique independent spirit that comes to the fore in its impressive local food scene and at the brilliant weekly farmers’ market that brings the town and surrounding countryside together.”

Dale Vince, founder of green energy company Ecotricity, which is based in the town, said: "Stroud is an original place, welcoming and open with creative and high tech industries nestling together in amazing countryside.

"I love that you can be in town you’re but not really more than five minutes away from some great open space, views and fresh air - on our hills and commons.

"Yet you can get to London in 90 minutes on the train - if you want to. It’s a great balance of countryside and connection."

View the full Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2021 guide at thetimes.co.uk/best-places-to-live