UTTLESFORD has been named as the top place to live in the country, in a survey of all 376 local authority districts in England and Wales.

The study, by business information group Experian, looked at statistical information on unemployment rates, disposable income, crime, schools, road congestion, population density, house prices and access to quality retail and leisure amenities.

Despite having average house prices of £146,992 (35 per cent above the national average) Uttlesford came out on top.

Net weekly disposable income of £358, good transport links to London, Cambridge and further afield through the airport, high quality schools, low population density and relatively low crime were all cited as positives.

Stansted Mountfitchet councillor Ray Clifford said: "Subject to what happens on the future of Stansted Airport, this part of north west Essex is undoubtedly one of the most attractive areas in the country. I love it.

"It's got ten per cent of the listed buildings in the country and great access to other places, it's a very, very attractive place which is why I first came to live here more than 40 years ago."

The only drawback according to Mr Clifford is the continued growth of the airport and it's impact on the environment although he insisted: "One doesn't want to stop progress."

Neighbouring districts had mixed fortunes. Harlow was placed in the bottom third at 255, while East Herts was ranked in 69th place and Epping Forest 125th.