BEVERLEY has been named one of the north's most desirable places to live.
The market town joins the likes of York, Harrogate and Richmond in The Sunday Times list of the ten most desirable locations in Yorkshire and the North East.
The news came as no surprise to Beverley Mayor Councillor Margaret Pinder.
"We know it's a great place to live," she said.
"I think it reflects the many qualities of the town. It's a very attractive community in many ways.
"We're fortunate that we have a vibrant commercial centre and we're also fortunate that we have very good schools in the town, both primary and secondary.
"We have the best of many worlds.
"One of the things that sets Beverley apart is its distinctive community. The town has a clear identity in people's lives.
"Its geography is very specific. For instance, there's the town centre and there's the Westwood."
The list will run across two weekends this Sunday and on Sunday, March 24, in The Sunday Times Home supplement.
It takes into account transport links, quality of schools, natural beauty, crime rate, property prices, cultural life and unemployment figures.
Each area is also assessed on its own individual assets, whether it has a local festival, fascinating architecture or proximity to an airport.
Cllr Pinder pointed to Beverley's history and sense of permanence as another reason people say they have a good quality of life.
She said: "Being able to walk around the town is one of the joys of Beverley.
"It's not become a suburb of Hull. There is not the feeling that Beverley exists to serve other centres. It very much has its own identity."
The town is no stranger to awards.
It has previously been named the Best Value-For- Money Town in the Country after a survey by the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Mike Quick, partner at Quick and Clarke estate agents, said: "Beverley does stick out as it is a very attractive Georgian market town with lots of facilities.
"There is interest in buying houses in Beverley and the prices are quite reasonable to similar areas.
"It is like a mini York. You also have the Dales and the coast reasonably close."
The Best Places to Live is edited by Sunday Times associate editor Eleanor Mills.
As author of the Beyond The Brochure property column, she has visited every corner of the country to assess the pros and cons of relocating.
"Scampering around Britain for my column I find there are particular bits of our crowded island that always retain a particular attraction for people," she said.
"We have built on this basic information to create a definitive guide which will prove invaluable for anyone starting a family, retiring, or simply considering a move."
