Our very own district of Uttlesford has been ranked the best rural place to live in the UK according to the latest Halifax Rural Areas Quality of Life Survey.

Nothing we didn't already know, but it's nice to have it made official!

Uttlesford residents are comparatively wealthy, with above average weekly earnings and a high employment rate. 96.7% of residents report to be in general good health and we can look forward to a life expectancy of 81.8 years.

However, this good living doesn't come cheap, with average house prices in the area 7 times local annual gross earnings - above the average rural house price to earnings ratio for rural areas.

Cllr Ketteridge, Leader of Uttlesford District Council said: “These

statistics show what a desirable place Uttlesford is. However it is of course expensive to buy property in this area which shows just how important it is that the council continues to provide for more affordable housing in the district.”

"It is also encouraging to learn that the district performs strongly in terms of average weekly earnings and a high employment rate, however we won’t be complacent and will continue to support our local businesses and drive the local economy forward.”

He added: “I am very proud to be the leader of the council which represents the best rural district in Britain."

"We already know that this is a beautiful part of the country to live and we take great pride in the district!"