A TOTAL of 10 south west places have been named among the Sunday Times' Best Places to Live in Britain list - but only one in Somerset.

The list, for the year 2018, has been unveiled and features a host of names from across the region, but only Frome features from the county.

The guide names Topsham, Devon, as the best place to live in the south west.

The accolade comes ahead of the full reveal of The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, including the overall winner, which is published on Sunday, April 14.

Factors ranging from employment, schools and broadband speed to culture, community spirit and local shops, are compared to compile the list.

The methodology uses robust statistics, including exclusive, up to date house prices provided by Habito and TwentyCi, but also the knowledge of The Sunday Times’s expert panel.

The judges combine the hard data with their own on-the-ground experience and insight to ensure the chosen locations truly are places where everyone can thrive.

Topsham is a new entry on this year’s list, and hits the top spot straight away, named as the Best Place to Live in the Southwest for 2019.

Of the 10 south west locations featured four - Tisbury, Bristol, Stroud and Falmouth - have returned for another year.

The Southville area of Bristol is this year championed by the guide -thanks in part to soaring house prices that are putting many other areas out of reach.

Locations in Wiltshire, Dorset and Gloucestershire are also new to this year’s list with Corsham, Lyme Regis and the Windrush Valley getting the nod. The Dartmoor village of Chagford, in Devon, returns to the list after a couple of years absence.

Helen Davies, The Sunday Times Home editor, said: "Finding our very own best place to live now feels more important than ever, for our wellbeing and wealth, happiness and health.

"Wherever you are on the property ladder The Sunday Times has championed 101 locations across the UK, and crowned one lucky winner, that we think is a great place to make a home.

"This year we were looking for community spirit along with convenience and culture. There is so much going on around the country, and so many great places that the choice was a hard one."

Daniel Hegarty, founder and CEO at online mortgage broker Habito, said: “The Sunday Times Best Places to Live really is essential reading for anyone looking to buy, move or renovate their home in the UK.

“We know there are many reasons, beyond house prices, why people live where they live in the South West. But, regardless of location, getting a mortgage can be the most hellish part of buying.

"Habito exists to make mortgages easier - whether that’s for a couples' first flat in Bristol, a rural cottage in Stroud or a historic home in Frome.”

For longer entries, more on air quality, broadband, transport links, comprehensive listings of good schools and lifelong learning opportunities, local voices and property prices you can go online at thesundaytimes.co.uk/bestplacestolive.

The south west locations included are:

Topsham, Devon

Frome, Somerset

Stroud, Gloucestershire

Falmouth, Cornwall

Lyme Regis, Dorset

Corsham, Wiltshire

Windrush Valley

Chagford, Devon

Tisbury

Bristol