A CHESHIRE village has been named as the best place to live in the North West.

Bollington is top of a list of 10 locations in the region - and 101 across the UK - chosen to represent the best of Britain in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.

The self-styled Happy Valley, the village was praised for its walks and its brilliant location close to the Peak District. The judges also admired the town for its social hubs, including the Bolly’s arts centre and its beautifully kept recreation grounds.

Expert 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.

The judges have travelled thousands of miles around the UK, visiting the 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.

The guide also uses robust and exclusive statistics, including up-to-date house prices, provided by mortgage company Habito and TwentyCi.

Helen Davies, The Sunday Times home editor said, "Our advice is simple. Think about everything you love and everything you hate, then make sure you have access to the good things while minimising exposure to the bad ones. And we’re here to help. Today we champion 101 locations across the UK and crown one lucky winner.

"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."

Also on the list is Levenshulme in Manchester, which is leading the way in showing how once-troubled inner-city areas can become friendly, welcoming communities, with plenty to offer.

The Georgian Quarter, Liverpool is also on the list. Liverpool remains one of the most exciting cities in the UK, thanks to a slew of big investments and a thrilling sense that it’s just embarking on a new chapter in its journey.

Rural locations in this region, from Arnside to Threlkeld in Cumbria have been picked to offer access to mountains, forests and rivers — and all the comforts you need when you come home.

The overall winner will be revealed on Sunday, when the full guide is published. To see the full list visit online at sundaytimes.co.uk/bestplacestolive