Tucked-away spots in Cumbria have been voted some of the top places to live.

According to The Sunday Times's list of 'Best Places to Live' Bollington in Cheshire is the top spot in the North West – but Cumbria comes in close behind.

Snatching the second, third and eighth slots are Arnside, Kirkby Lonsdale and Threlkeld, and Cumbria being the most represented county in the list.

And once proud councillor isn't surprised in the slightest.

"Cumbria's one of the most fantastic places on the planet to live, especially Keswick and the surrounding villages," Keswick Town Councillor, Adam Paxon said.

"One of the things that to me makes Threlkeld and Keswick in general so great is the people and their will to be community minded, and to contribute, going over and above for each other.

"It's just one of the best places in the world to be."

Rural Cumbrian locations were named due to their offer of endless mountains, forests and rivers — and all the comforts you need when you come home after a long day of wandering the fells.

The Sunday Times Home editor, Helen Davies, 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."

She continued: "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 included on the list, created in association with Habito, is; Knutsford in Cheshire, Liverpool's Georgian Quarter, Manchester's Levenshulme, Southport in Merseyside, Waddington in Lancashire and West Kirkby on the Wirral.

The Sunday Times’s 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 publication's unique understanding of the housing market and in-depth property coverage further helps readers find a place to call home, whether they are young professionals, growing families or discerning downsizers.

Daniel Hegarty, Founder and CEO at Habito, the online mortgage broker said: “There are many factors that contribute to where people choose to live across the North West.

"Whether that’s buying to be near the green spaces of Cumbria, wanting to become part of a thriving community like that of the Georgian Quarter in Liverpool, or to be a bit closer to friends and family across the region.

"Habito helps homeowners get the right mortgage, so they can spend their time finding their place to call home.

"This year's deserving winner – Bollington in Cheshire – demonstrates that the UK's best places to live deliver much more than great real estate; they give people a sense of belonging and somewhere people can live their life to the full.”

The team has travelled thousands of miles around the UK, looking for improving areas, as well as attractive, well designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit.

The overall UK winner will be revealed today (March 22), when the full guide is published in The Sunday Times and online at sundaytimes.co.uk/bestplacestolive.