A COTSWOLD village has been named 'best place to live' in the southwest of England by the Sunday Times.

Blockley, near Moreton, came top of the chart for the region, followed by Chagford in Devon, Exmoor, Frome and fellow Cotswolds village Kingham, near Stow.

Judges considered statistics including crime rates, weather, and schools when deciding who should be crowned winner – but also looked for culture, sense of community and scenery.

Blockley's countryside location and peacefulness was cited as particularly charming factors, while its lively community was also praised.

Former chair of the parish council, Councillor Margaret Bryan said: "We are delighted to be voted a good place to live.

"I think we are lucky that we are sort of a secret village in as much as we string out along a valley and end up in a wood – we do not actually lead to anywhere.

"It is a typical Cotswolds village in terms of architecture. It is not too big and the surrounding countryside is quite unspoilt. It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and we work hard to keep it so.

"I like it here because it has a community spirit, there are lots of things to do but it is away from the hassle of London and it is well connected in that you can get wherever you want from Moreton.

"It is the sort of village where people do not just sit and twiddle their thumbs, they get up and do something.

"That is what is attractive about it for the people who live here."

The article in the Sunday Times said: "The mellow Cotswold stone and wide grass verges of Blockley are similar to those of nearby Moreton-in-Marsh but here you get the charm without the double yellow lines and hordes of tourists.

"Indeed, it's known as a the "forgotten village" – it's easy to miss, and the high street is a dead end so coaches can't turn round.

"It's also perfect if owning a dog is part of the plan: you can open the door and head into the fields without having to get into your car, so no muddy paws on the way home."