A Kent seaside town has been named among the best places to live in the country.

Folkestone has been included among the favoured spots in the south east in an annual list of the cities, towns and villages offering the best quality of life.

Its entry in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2023 guide highlights the successful regeneration of the old town and harbour area, as well as great schools and fast trains to London.

However, the town missed out on the overall south east crown in the guide, which went to Chichester in West Sussex.

In all, 10 locations in the south east were deemed worthy of a place among the final 72 to make the list.

"Folkestone is fun," the guide to the best spots to call home says.

"With entertaining public art at every turn and a colourful Creative Quarter filled with quirky shops and artist's studios, it's a fine example of the gaiety that a spot of well-aimed regeneration can bring.

"More practical considerations include outstanding schools and trains that take less than an hour to reach London."

Folkestone has seen its fortunes revived in recent years thanks to the arts-led regeneration pioneered by the billionaire philanthropist Sir Roger De Haan, who has investing huge sums via his charitable foundation.

The area around the Old High Street and Tontine Street, close to the harbour, has been transformed by an influx of independent shops and restaurants.

Good schools and transport connectivity, largely thanks to the high-speed rail link, have also made the town a popular destination for people moving out of the capital.

KentOnline reported this week how it has also become one of the most popular destinations in the UK for Londoners snapping up second homes.

Helen Davies, the editor of Best Places to Live 2023, said: "When times are tough, where we live matters more than ever.

"Attractive surroundings, good neighbours and a comfortable home are the best defences when the stresses of modern life seem overwhelming.

"This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2023 from Orkney to Felixstowe, the Chew Valley to Manchester city centre.

"Whether you're down-sizing, trading up or getting onto the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you."