It may be one of the smallest parishes in the county, but Frittenden has made a big impression on judges after being named in the top 50 places to live in the UK.

The village, which is home to less than 1,000 people, was one of just two rural locations in Kent to be named in the Sunday Times guide to countryside living.

Dubbed “the friendly face of Kent” by the newspaper, Frittenden was chosen for its transport links and community spirit, pointing to its numerous local societies and essentials such as a village shop, primary school and family-run pub.

But the biggest draw is said to be its location in the catchment area for Cranbrook Grammar School, which is rated “outstanding” by Ofsted, and which according to estate agents adds a premium of up to 20% on homes there.

Judges also looked at crime rates - in the 12 months up to January this year there were 91 offences reported in the village - and house prices, which average at £407,500.

It’s a big turnaround for the parish, which 200 years ago was described by one historian as “obscure and inconsiderable”.

The news has been welcomed by the landlady of the The Bell and Jorrocks pub in Biddenden Road.

Rosie Croucher, has lived in the village for 15 years while husband Sean is Frittenden born and bred.

She said: “It deserves to be in the list but I was surprised in the sense that the UK is so huge and we have been picked out.

“I call Frittenden the Bermuda triangle of Kent because we are right in the middle but none of the main roads lead here so you only ever find it by stumbling upon it.

“I feel our village is a unique and a very close community. The pub is a great meeting place for all the societies from the cricket and tennis clubs to the historical and garden societies. Everybody knows and helps one another out. We also have a very good church network.”

Marshside, near Herne Bay was the only other Kent location to make the top 50.