THE secret's out - Somerset is one of the most desirable places to live.

Our county came fourth in a survey which asked people where they would most consider moving.

Not surprising it's so popular with attractions like the Quantock Hills, Wells Cathedral, Cheddar Gorge, the West Somerset Railway - and that's just for starters.

The Certas Energy questionnaire concluded that people are willing to pay 21 per cent more to live in the countryside - while 78 per cent of Brits said they'd consider moving to a rural location.

Most of them cited a better quality of life and cleaner air as the reasons behind the lure of fields and chocolate box cottages.

Asked their preferred area to set up a new life, 17 per cent plumped for Somerset.

That was closely behind the top three of Cornwall, Devon and the Lake District and ahead of North Yorkshire.

Almost two-thirds of women said that a better quality of life was most important to them (60%), while for men one of their highest priorities was the price of a property, with a third stating that they would move if the price was right (33%).

Angus Blundell, director of marketing at Certas Energy, said: “Many people choose to move to the countryside in search of fresh air and an overall better quality of life.

"Leaving the city behind and going a little further off the grid can let you enjoy the rural lifestyle and traditions that have existed for centuries in this country.

“Although a lot of Brits seem willing to pay the price for the benefits that rural life brings, making the move to the countryside doesn’t have to cost the earth and the scenery can be more than enough compensation for not being close to a corner shop.”