Fifteen East of England locations have been named among the best places to live in Britain – with Woodbridge named as the very best in the region.

Framlingham, Orford and Bungay are also on the top 20 list.

Compiled by the Sunday Times, experts took into account a wide range of factors including jobs, exam results, broadband speed, culture, community spirit, local shops, transport, crime statistics and education.

Stephen Attwell, mayor of Woodbridge, said: “I am absolutely delighted, but not at all surprised.

“Woodbridge is a very pleasant place to live as it still has its charm.

“From its architecture, to sailing on the river, to a simple stroll – there is so much to see and do here”.

John Groom, mayor of Bungay, said: “With its micro-climate, mix of shops, surrounded by countryside and a short hop over to Norwich, Lowestoft and the coast, Bungay makes a wonderful place to live.

“I have lived here for 34 years now, and I am very proud to be mayor of Bungay.”

Commenting on the Sunday Times annual Best Places to Live list, home editor Helen Davies said the judging panel had also used their own experiences of the places in making their decision.

She said: “This is the fifth year we have compiled the list, and this year’s is even bigger and better.

“The list weighs up everything from considering the likely impact of the local plan, to whether the post office is still open, the range of housing, and the quality of the coffee.”

The UK’s leading residential estate agency and property services group, Countrywide PLC, provided details on average property prices, rent and sales.

Johnny Morris, research and analytics director at Countrywide PLC, said: “Using extensive data from across our businesses, along with official statistics, we have been able to paint a detailed picture, not just of how much it costs to buy or rent in different places across the country, but what it is like to live there, too.

“We’ve been able to do this for all types of people, from someone renting their first flat to a family buying their forever home.”

The other East of England towns that made it onto the list included Dedham, Felsted, Finchingfield, Saffron Walden and Shenfield in Essex, along with Aylsham, Norwich, and Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk.