A leafy commuter town has been recognised as one of the best places to live in the south east.

The Sunday Times newspaper has compiled its annual list of the prime spots across the country and its judging panel believe Sevenoaks is among the ten best towns in the region.

Judges behind the Best Places to Live guide - to be published this weekend - assessed a wide range of factors, from schools and air quality, to transport links and broadband speeds.

They also looked for improving towns, villages or city centres that are on the up, with well-designed homes and plenty of community spirit.

Sevenoaks, where the average sale price of a home is around £525,000, is praised for its "excellent schools and a rapid train journey into London".

However, with the daily commute on hold because of the pandemic, the judges also recognised the quality of independent shops in the "lively" town centre and the access to beautiful walks in Knole Park.

Singled out for praise is the recently-expanded Sevenoaks Bookshop, which has been crowned the best independent of its kind at one of the publishing industry's most prestigious awards.

David Johnston, head of residential sales at Savills Sevenoaks, said: "More buyers are seeking a lifestyle change following the experience of lockdown and are looking for additional space while retaining connectivity to London.

"Sevenoaks is well placed to meet this demand, with outstanding schools, a 25-minute commute into London Bridge and beautiful countryside on the doorstep continuing to be a major draw.

"We have seen a significant uptick in those looking to move out of the capital to get more space for their money, with gardens and home offices at the top of the wish list.

"The prospect of more flexible working and not having to commute every day has opened up their options too.

"While there has undoubtedly been an increase in London buyers, this surge of activity has also come from local people looking for more space both inside and out."

Sevenoaks was not the only Kent town to make the list of 10 in the south east, the charming seaside town of Deal was also included.

Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times property editor, said: “This guide has never been so important. The pandemic has taught us just how much we rely on our homes, our communities and our surroundings.

"With working from home now common, it's no surprise that many of us are reassessing our priorities and thinking hard about where we really want to live.

"Our focus for this year has been community, countryside and convenience.

"It hasn't been a year for big cities or small villages. Instead it is small towns that have shone: big enough to have everything you need within walking distance and small enough for everyone to feel connected."

Live in Sevenoaks? We want to hear what you think makes it a great place to live. Leave a comment or email reporter Rhys Griffiths with your thoughts.

To see what the judges thought of all the towns in the The Sunday Times Best Places to Live click here

Read more: All the latest news from Sevenoaks